Dedicated to the men and women of the 193rd SOW

In 1747, two decades before the beginning of the

American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin met with local merchants in Philadelphia to sell his idea ofa permanent defense force to protect the colonies from
French raids on the Delaware River and Indian raids
on western farm settlements.
The "Associators," as they were known, formed
what is recognized today as one of the first officially
sanctioned state militias in the United States. Through
Franklin's influence, the organization continued even
after hostilities subsided .
With the development of air power well underway,
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received authorization in 1946 for a number of air guard units with

missions in support of the U.S. Army Air Forces. The

148th Fighter Squadron at Spaatz Field, Reading was
organized under the command of Maj. Richard B.
Posey on February 27 of the following year.
Since that time the unit, now the 193rd Special Operations Wing, has been called upon in times of peace,
under state control, to augment civil authorities during
disasters and disturbances that have exceeded the capabilities of civilian agencies. In times of conflict, the
unit has taken up arms in order to defend the United
States and has been involved in every major world crisis since 1947.
It is to these "citizen-airmen," both past and present,
that this book is dedicated.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prologue
Dedication
In Memoriam
Governors
Adjutants General
Deputy Adjutants Gen~ral For Air
Commanders
Squadrons
1947 -1950
1951 - 1955
1956 -1960
1961-1965
Christmas Star
1966 -1970
The Origin of Coronet Solo
1971-1975
Hurricane Agnes
1976 -1980
Three Mile Island
1981-1986
Operation Urgent Fury
1987 -1991
1992 -1996
Unit Members
193rd Consolidated Club History
Benefactors
Sponsors

1
2
4
6
7
8
9
11
14
23
29
48
64
66
69
74
81
86
92
97
108
118
126
136
161
162
163

Governors of the
Commonwealth

Robert P. Casey
1987 - 1995

Tom Ridge
1995 - Present

Dick Thornburgh
1979 - 1987

Milton J. Shapp
1971 -1979

Raymond P. Shafer
1967 - 1971

William W. Scranton
1963 -1967

David L. Lawrence
1959 - 1963

George M. Leader
1955 - 1959

John S. Fine
1951 - 1955

James H. Duff
1947 -1951

Adjutants General

Maj. Gen. James W. Mac Yay

1995 - Present

Maj . Gen. Gerald T. Sajer

1987 - 1995

Maj. Gen. Richard M. Scott

1979 -1987

Maj. Gen. Nicholas P.

Kalkalas
1978 -1979

Maj. Gen. Harry J.

MierJr.
1972-1978

Maj. Gen. Thomas R.

White
1963 -1968

Maj. Gen. Malcolm M.

Hay
1961 - 1963

Maj. Gen. Anthony

J.D. Biddle Jr.
1955 -1961

Maj. Gen. Richard

Snyder
1968-1972

Maj. Gen. Frank A.

Weber
1947 -1955

Deputy Adjutants
General For Air

Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch

1995 - Present

Maj. Gen. Frank H.

Smoker Jr.
1978 -1985

Maj. Gen. Robert G.

Chrisjohn
1993 - 1995

Maj. Gen. Robert E.

Harris
1985 - 1993

Brig. Gen. Richard B.

Posey
1956 -1978

Col. Robert C. Boden

1952 - J.956

Col. J. Floyd Kuhns

1947 -1952

Unit Commanders

Col. E. Thomas Kuhn

1996 - Present

Col. W. Reed Ernst II

1993-1996

Col. Lawrence F. Santerin;

1989-1993

,,.

Col. Adolph P. Hearon

1985 - 1993

Lt. Col. Thomas L. Cope

1984 -1985

Col. Robert E. Harris

1979 - 1984

Col. Nicholas J. Bcreschak

1956-1978

Maj. John W. Martin

1955 - 1956

Maj. Peter R. Phillipy

1953 - 1955

Maj. Russell G. Ogan

1950 - 1952

Maj. Richard B. Posey

1947 - 1950
1952 - 1953

193rd Special Operations Wing

Commander - Col. E. Thomas Kuhn
Senior Enlisted Advisor - Chief Master Sgt.
Richard A. Daldo
The I 93rd Special Operations Wing is home to the
History Office, Public Affairs, the Wing Safety Office, the Operations Staff, Operations Planning, Op-

erations Training, StandardizationlEvaluation, Legal,

Chaplain, Social Actions and Finance.
The unit consists of 17 officers and 35 enlisted personnel.
The majority of wing offices are located in Building 81, but others can be found throughout the base.

193rd Operations Group

Commander - Col. Derle M. Snyder
The I 93rd Special Operations Group oversees the
daily operations of the 193rd Special Operations
Squadron and the 193rd Operations Support Flight.
It is also the Ops. Group's responsibility to set the

standards by which aircrew members are evaluated in

order to stay proficient in the skills necessary to safely
fly the unit's aircraft.
Ops. consists of three officers and nine enlisted members whose offices are located in Building 76.

193rd Special Operations Squadron

Commander - Lt. Col. John S. Schreckengaust
First Sgt. - Master Sgt. Scott A. Keener
Known as the "flying squadron," the 193rd Special
Operations Squadron is comprised of pilots, navigators, flight engineers, loadmasters, mission chiefs and
electronic'communications systems engineers.
Combat-ready aircrew members and support per-

sonnel are trained for the worldwide employment of

Commando Solo and Senior Hunter EC-130 aircraft
when tasked by theater commanders, national or state
authorities.
The 193rd Special Ops. Squadron is comprised of
54 officers and 98 enlisted whose offices are located
in Building 76.

193rd Operations Support Flight

Commander - Lt. Col. William G. Schaetzle
The 193rd Operations Support Flight consists of
intelligence section, current operations, airfield management and Wing training,
The flight is maintained, trained and equipped to

support the Operations Group Commander and the

193rd Special Operations Squadron in both wartime
and peacetime operations.
The Flight is located in Building 76 and is comprised
of two officers and 20 enlisted members.

193rd Support Group

Commander - Lt. Col. Robert E. Martin
First Sgt. - Master Sgt. Robert C. Straub
The 193rd Support Group provides a variety of base
support services to the I 93rd Special Operations Wing
and its geographically separated units through six subordinate squadrons and flights .
Units that fall within the Support Group command

10

are : the Civil Engineer Squadron, the Security Forces

Squadron, the Military Personnel Flight, the Services
Flight, the Communications Flight and the Operations
Communications Flight.
Group headquarters consists of two officers and three
enlisted members whose offices are located in Building 81.

193rd Operations Communications Flight

Commander - Maj. Rex E. Pelto
When deployed, the I 93rd Operations Communications Flight provides tactical communications and

computer support to the 193rd Special Operations

Wing. The flight consists of one officer and 23 enlisted men and women.

193rd Communications Flight

Commander - Maj. Charles D. Hummer
Civilian and military communications are processed
by the men and women ofthe Communications Flight.
The Comm. Flight provides repair and installation ser-

vices for the 193rd's communication and computer

equipment.
The flight consists of one officer and 40 enlisted members who share Building 76 with Flight Operations.

193rd Civil Engineer Squadron

Commander-Maj. Paul L. Yarnell Jr.
First Sgt. - Master Sgt. Roger G. Helmers
The I 93rd Civil Engineer Squadron' s ability to respond to emergencies that require the use of heavy
equipment - a mission known as PRIME BEEF - has
long been a staple of the squadron.
Shops within CE include engineering and surveying, pavement and grounds-keeping, equipment operations, structural maintenance, water and waste,
power production and pest management.
The Wing Fire and Crash Rescue unit, also part of
CE, provides emergency services for the unit, the Har-

risburg International Airport and the surrounoing communities.

Apparatus maintained by the department include:
one P-19 crash/fire rescue vehicle, one P-20 ramp patrol vehicle, one P-18 water distrabution vehicle, one
P-IO rescue vehicle, one haz-matlconfined space rescue trailer, one foam supply trailer and one breathingair cascade system.
Membership in the Civil Engineer Squadron consists of four officers and 90 enlisted members. The
Squadron offices and shops are co-located with the Fire
and Crash Rescue station in Building 78.

193rd Security Forces Squadron

Commander - Maj. Diane M. Stackhouse
First Sgt. - Master Sgt. Daniel F. Searfass
The small but powerful squadron with the large responsibility of protecting the unit' s weapons systems
and aircraft, at home and abroad, is the I 93rd Security
Forces Squadron. ., .
;.

... ::..

The squadron also provides small-arms training for

the members ofthe 193rd and it's geographically-separated units.
The Security Forces Squadron consists of one officer and 64 enlisted men and women. Offices of the
I 93rd SFS are located in Building 81.

,"i

193rd Services Flight

Commander - Maj. Annette L. Rico

The 193rd Services Flight provides morale, welfare
and recreation services, billeting and food service to
the men and women of the I 93rd Special Operations
Wing. Several deployable teams of highly-trained personnel are also used to establish and maintain field

kitchens, billeting offices, MWR facilities and mortuary affairs offices anywhere on the planet. During
monthly unit training assemblies the flight provides
billeting, MWR activities and three meals per day.
Membership of the I 93rd Services flight totals three
officers and 31 enlisted.

II

193rd Military Personnel Flight

Commander - Lt. Col. Charles O. Barry
nel records, training and education guidance and asT)le 193rd Military Personnel Flight provides ad- sistance, civilian education tuition assistance and a
ministrative support and maintains records for the more deployable military personnel contingency team.
than 1,900 airmen assigned to the 193rd Special OpTotal membership in the 193rd Military Personnel
eration Wing and its geographically separated units. Flight is three officers and 29 enlisted. The flight ocMPF support includes maintaining all military person- cupies most of the second floor in Building 81 .

193rd Logistics Group

Commander - Col. Carl R. Kostival
The 193rd Logistics Group is responsible for ensuring that the unit's eight aircraft (six "Solos" and
two " slicks") are safe, reliable and meet the flying
mission requirements. LG relies on the technical skills
and expertise of the men and women assigned to the

Logistics Support Flight, Logistics Squadron, Maintenance Squadron and Aircraft Generation Squadron.
A total of three officers and nine enlisted personnel
are assigned to the 193rd Logistics Group which has
its headquarters in Building 79 with various entities
throughout the compound.

193rd Maintenance Squadron

Commander - Maj. Anthony Hairston
First Sgt. - Senior Master Sgt. Barry F. Frey
The I 93rd Maintenance Squadron provides support
to the AGS' s sortie production and the depth to sustain maintenance effectiveness.
The squadron is divided into two parts: the Com-

ponent Repair Flight and the Equipment Maintenance

Flight.
Total membership in the squadron is four officers
and 189 enlisted men and women.
The I 93rd Maintenance Squadron occupies Building 75 , the primary maintenance hangar.

193rd Aircraft Generation Squadron .

mission aircraft.
Commander - Maj. Gary J. flerman
The squadron is organized into sortie generation and
First Sgt. - Master Sgt. Donald H. Hollenbach
The I 93rd Aircraft Generation Squadron is prima- sortie support flights.
AGS is comprised of one officer and 67 enlisted
rily responsible for the launch, service, on-equipment
repair, inspection and recovery of the unit's primary members whose shops are located in Building 75.

193rd Logistics Squadron

Commander - Lt. Col. Zygmunt Bystron
readiness supplies, vehicle maintenance and the moveFirst Sgt. - Master Sgt. Deborah A. Mitchell
ment of all freight and passengers.
The primary function of the Logistics Squadron is
Membership in the Logistics Squadron totals five
to supply the wing with the material needed to accom- officers and 104 enlisted. The squadron occupies three
buildings within the Air Guard complex: Building 79,
pi ish the mission.
In addition to managing the unit's physical prop- the squadron headquarters and warehouse; the Fuels
erty (clothing, aircraft fuel, spare parts, etc.), Logis- Management Building; and the Vehicle Maintenance
tics is also responsible for base procurement, war- Compoupd.

12

193rd Logistics Support Flight

Commander - Maj. James E. Heckinger Jr.
The 193rd Logistics Support Flight is responsible
for handling the administrative tasks and staff functions required for the efficient operation of the maintenance personnel.
The flight includes the Maintenance Operations

Center, Plans, Scheduling and Documentation, Comprehensive Engine Management, Training Management, Maintenance Analysis and Maintenance Plans
and Programs.
Two officers and 20 enlisted members comprise the
flight with offices located in Building 75.

193rd Medical Squadron

Commander - Col. Michael O. Daniels
First Sgt. - Master Sgt. Frederick W . Nesmith
All annual and flight physicals for the 193rd Special Operations Wing and its geographically separated
units are performed by members of the 193rd Medical
Squadron. In addition to physical, dental and eye-exams, the Medical Squadron is also responsible for hospital administration, patient affairs, medical materials, the

base pharmacy, nursing care, laboratory services, a radiology department and flight medical services.
Environmental Health and Bio-environmental Services, a separate branch of the squadron, collects environmental samples as well as data concerning industrial hygiene and radiological health.
The Medical Squadron is made up of20 officers and
54 enlisted members and is located in Building 81 .

553rd Air Force Band

Commander - Maj. Patrick M. Jones
The 553rd is the only Air National Guard Band in
Pennsylvania and one of only 12 Air National Guard
bands in the United States.
Attached to the 193rd Special Operation Wing for
the purpose of administration, the 553rd has a worldwide reputation equal to any active duty Air Force band
drawing members from professional musicians to high

school music directors and educators.

The 553rd Band assists in recruiting and public relations efforts as well as helping to keep the morale of
the unit high. The band provides a variety of music
for both military and civilian functions throughout the
world. One officer and 41 enlisted personnel make up
the total membership of the 553rd Air Force Band with
offices located in Building 81 .

Detachment One, 193rd SOW Weapons Range

Commander - Maj. Clifford S. Thomas
The 193rd Special Operations Wing Weapons
Range is a detachment of the wing which is geographically separated from the'unit's Middletown base.
Det. One's mission is to provide a safe training environment for units of the tactical air forces that permits scored conventional and tactical munitions deliveries including strafe, practice bombs and rockets,
maverick missile training, laser designated targets,
electronic combat, communications jamming, combat
search and rescue and dissimilar air combat training.
The range is located on a 2,000 square-acre section

of Fort Indiantown Gap - one-third of which is dedicated as an impact area for target practice.
Although it is known to most people as the " bomb
range," Det. One also provides training for ground
troops utilizing close air support and tactics. U.S.
Army and Army National Guard units, U.S. Marine
Corps units and Air Force Tactical Air Controllers all
utilize the facility annually in this way. For this reason, the 193rd SOW Weapons Range is considered a
U.S. Department of Defense asset. Membership consists of two officers and six enlisted airmen who provide range support for both day and night operations.

IJ

Our roots are in the Revolutionary War when each colony mustered its own military force to help the fight for
America's independence in the 1700s. These colonial
units, called the militia, were renamed the National
Guard and were instrumental in defending our independence since the colonial days.
But the traditional militia-type role of the National
Guard changed in April 1908 when twenty-five members
of the New York National Guard 1st Company, Signal
Corps originated the Air National Guard concept by taking
to the air to train in balloon handling.
There were no flying units as such in the National
Guard prior to World War [ although there was great
enthusiasm to create such units. However, in the early
1920s New York and Minnesota were successful in having
one flying squadron allotted to each state.
Pennsylvania can trace its air history back to 1924 when
the Commonwwealth organized the 103rd Observation
Squadron at the Philadelphia Airport. This unit was part
ofthe 28th Infantry (Keystone) Division, and it served continuously through February 1941 when it was mobilized
into active Federal Service.
On October 13,1945 the Secretary of the War approved
a plan for National reorganization, and, in 1946, air units
ofthe National Guard were organized as a separate entity.
The Air National Guard was born. That same year, the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received authorization
for a number of flying and non-flying units with missions
to support the U.S. Army Air Force, the immediate predecessor of the U.S. Air Force. Included in those allotments were:
Headquarters, 53rd Fighter Wing
112th Fight Interceptor Group
212th Air Service Group
553rd Air Force Band
These units were to be headquartered at Harrisburg Airport (now the Capitol City Airport) in New Cumberland.
The 112th Fighter Group was divided into 3 squadrons
to be located in key cities in Pennsylvania. To each fighter
squadron was assigned a detachment of the 212th Air Service Group to support the mission aircraft as well as a
weather station. The 112th Fighter Group would look like
this:
P[TTSBURGH, PA
146th Fighter Squadron
Detachment A, 212th Air Service Group
Utility Flight
146th Weather Station
SCRANTON, PA
147th Fighter Squadron
Detachment B, 212th Air Service Group
Utility Flight
147th Weather Station
READlNG,PA
148th Fighter Squadron
Detachment C, 212th Air Service Group
Utility Flight
148th Weather Station

It was the 148th Fighter Squadron that became a part of

the history and lineage of our present 193rd Special Operations Group.
However, the history of the 148th Fighter Squadron
goes back much further than 1946. The lineage of the
squadron actually goes back to 1 October 1942 when the
United States Army Air Corps (forerunner of the U.S.
Army Air Force) activated the 347th Fighter Squadron at
Bushey Hall, England. During World War II, the 347th flew
missions in Casablanca, French Morocco; in Algiers at
LaSenia and Orleansville; LeSers, Tunisia; Corsica; and at
Capodichino and Pisa, Italy.
The 347th Fighter Squadron was inactivated on 7
November 1945 at Seymore Johnson Field, North Carolina, and was reallocated to the Air National Guard on 24
May 1946 as the 148th Fighter Squadron.
From 1945 to 1947, as World War II was drawing to a
close, thousands of veterans of the air war in Europe were
returning home to America. [n that massive demobilization many of those veterans became charter members of
the newly allocated Air National Guard units.
This article appearing in the 30th October 1946 Reading
newspaper caught the eyes of these veterans:

[n addition to the 148th Fighter Squadron, it was

announced that the other three support units would also
be manned in conjunction with the fighter squadron. The
largest would be Detachment C, 212th Air Service Group
with 168 men and 9 officers responsible for maintaining
the aircraft which would eventually be based in Reading;
the 148th Utility Flight comprised of 29 men and 6 officers
to assist in maneuvers, training, and administrative
duties; and the 148th Weather Sfation made up of 5 men
and 3 officers.

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in
out one of
the Arm y plan es ai the ()lunieipal Airport ",hue t.he ,ua.rd unU
n." Ol)t:ned hudquarteu. ~e", type tlrhter planet '""'ut be. lent
I" th,. ,"" elld in ~ (ltld &.s .oon as the luard anU &It..IM operaUnr
'I t(c:n.clh .-Tlme! Statt Photo,

Newspaper reports said the full strength of all four Air

National Guard units at Reading would eventually be
more than 325 members. In addition to the guardsmen, the
state was to employ about forty persons in maintenance,
supply, and administrative areas - the forerunners of the
present day air technician.

Within three weeks of that 30 October announcement,

it was reported that Major Milton F. Glessner, a combat
pilot with the 8th Air Force and veteran of 65 European
missions in World War ", was appointed to permanent
duty as the flying instructor for the 148th Fighter Squadron. The appointment was made by Major General Thomas). Hanley, commanding general of the 11th Air Force in
Harrisburg.
Major Glessner's first task was to find a qualified commander for the 148th. He was looking for a young man who
had training as a combat pilot and saw active service during World War II.
That selection process ended 27 November 1946 when
Richard B. Posey of Wyomissing was appointed operations
officer and commanding officer of the 148th Fighter
Squadron. After receiving his commission from the state
Adjutant General's office, Major Posey immediately
began organizing the recruitment of 49 additional officers
and 300 enlisted men for the fighter squadron and its support units.
His first appointments were Captain Robert Krug as
operations officer and Lieutenant Russell Ogan as a flight
leader. Commissions and enlistments were available to all
Berks County (Reading area) residents providing they
served six months or more in any branch of the armed services during World War II.
Each recruit was expected to perform a minimum of two
hours service per week plus fifteen days of field training
each summer. For each two-hour training period, a master
sergeant earned $5.50; a technical sergeant $4.50; staff sergeant $3.83, sergeant $3.33; corporal (comparable to a
senior airman)$3.00; private first class (airman first class)
$2.67; private (airman) $2.50. The total annual pay for
training assemblies and summer encampment amounted
to about $400 for a master sergeant.
It wasn't until 27 February 1947 that the newly formed
148th Fighter Squadron and its allied units began their
weekly Monday and Thursday evening training periods in
a few empty buildings in the North Squadron area of the
Reading airport with no aircraft and no equipment.

Checking the seven new P47's

,embel:s of Staff of Air Guard Fighter Squadron

State
Gets&..""

Aggressive recruiting efforts continued as the squadron

had to reach a required strength in order to receive federal
recognition , equipment, and airplanes.
In February, Major Posey announced that the 148th personnel requirements of 25% of officer strength (16 members) and 10% enlisted strength (34 members) had been
achieved, culminating a drive that began in December
1946. With that announcement came a request to Brigadier General F.A. Weber, State Adjutant General, for federal recognition of the 148th Fighter Squadron and its support units.
On 27 February 1947 the federal recognition inspection
of the 148th was conducted by the Senior Air Instructor to
Pennsylvania, and the 148th Fighter Squadron became
the first Air National Guard tactical unit in Pennsylvania
to be granted federal recognition. Detachment C, 212th
Air Service Group and the Utility Flight also received federal recognition on 27 February 1947. The 148th Weather
Station was recognized 30 June 1947.

The 146th Fighter Squadron assigned to Pittsburgh was

n?t granted federal recognition until 1948, and the 147th
Fighter Squadron in Scranton never did meet recognition
standards and was reallocated to Pittsburgh and was given
federal recognition in May 1949.
In April 1947, the 148th received its initial shipment of
seven P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes from the Air Materiel Depot at Olmsted Field in Middletown. The aircraft
were scheduled to go into service around 15 May 1947
after a thorough inspection. More planes would be
assigned later in 1947.

The first summer encampment of the 148th Fighter Squadron, 17 to 23 Aug 1947. Reading

Flight training in the P-47s began mid-Mayas pilot

trainees were required to take fifteen hours oftransilional
flying on an AT -6 before they were permitted to fly the
P-47s. Pilots were expected to loga minimum offour flight
hours a month and were to receive three hours of check
flying before doing solo work.
By 3 July 1947, Major Posey announced that the 148th
Fighter Squadron was fully equipped with 25 P-47 Thunderbolts, 4 AT-6 trainers, 4 A-26 aircraft for towing targets
for gunnery practice, and 1 C-47 transport aircraft to be
used for utility and transportation flights. Recruiting was
still a priority as the 148th had vacancies for 142 enlisted
men and 16 officers including eight pilots.
The public "coming out" ceremony for the-H8th was 1
August 1947 when an open house was held at the Reading
Municipal Airport in conjunction with Army Air Force
Day. All aspects of military aviation operations were on
display for the one-thousand Berks County residents who
attended the air show.
Just six months old and fresh from its public debut, the
148th conducted its first summer encampment at the

Reading Municipal Airport, 16 through 22 August 1947 for

its 77 enlisted men and 24 officers. Training consisted of
current events lectures, close order drill and arms study,
plus on-the-job training. Pilots received classroom training as well as advanced and night flying experience. The
highlight of the first encampment was a visit by the entire
staff of Headquarters, 11th Air Force. Written reports indicated that the staff was favorably impressed with the
148th training program.
The guardsmen were required to stay "on base" during
the encampment and used barracks vacated by the regular
Army Air Force following World War II. Nearly a ton and
a half of food was brought in from the supply depot at the
Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, and 22,000 gallons
of 100-octane gasoline was consumed by the aircraft. The
encampment payroll totaled $6,000 for the seven days
with the largest check for$145 and the smallest for$17 .50.
Incidentally, the first pay voucher was not made out until
1 May 1947. Other pays were retroactive to 27 February
1947, the date on which the federal Inspection for recognition was made.
The Squadron's first community service project was
"Operation Santa" conducted on three consecutive Saturdays prior to Christmas 1947. Gift certificates wrapped in
containers attached to parachutes were dropped from the
P-47s as they flew in formation over Berks County.

Major Posey address ing our first anniversary banquet, 5 March 1948 at
the Abraham Lincoln Hotel , Reading. Captain John R. Gross, Squadron
Adjutant is seated.

MSG Earl G. Brown, our first Air Force Enlisted Advisor, served with
the 148th Crom 1946 to 1951. Walter S. Erdman an air technician
calculates data.

As a reward for their recruiting efforts. 25 enlisted men

received the unit's first three day morale trip ... to Miami.
on 27 December 1947 in a C-47. The flight crew also got
their required instrument and night flying training.

MARCH-12, I9.f9

1948
Just two days into the new year another morale trip left
Reading . .. this one destined for New Orleans. Again.
twenty-five unit members were rewarded for their extra
duty work in planning and completing a successful
recruiting campaign in the. faB of 1947. The flight crews
again received instrument flying instruction from Major
Glessner.
With the dawn of 1948 came word that the 11th Air
Force (headquartered in Harrisburg) which was the supervising command of the 148th Fighter Squadron. would
soon be deactivated by the U.S. Air Force. Major Posey
was quick to point out that the action would not bring any

Gap Military Reservation. Simulated attacks were flown

over many cities in central P.ennsylvania and southern
New York state.
By early 1948 the 148th and attached units were rated at
fuB strength in manpower and material and were ready
for action almost immediately upon federal mobilization.
Because of its state of readiness. the squadron was considered the best organized in the state's 53rd Fighter Wing.
rated well ahead of comparable squadrons in other states.
The aircraft in service included 25 P-47 Thunderbolt

immediate change to the 148th other than a possible reassignment to another AF headquarters.
Meanwhile. the 11 th Air Force commander. Major General Thomas Hanley. was reassigned and General Ralph A.
Snavely was named interim commander until the headquarters phase-out scheduled for April 1948.
On 15 February 1948. after a fuB year of operation. the
148th and its support units received a "satisfactory" rating
by an 11th Air Force inspection team. It was the first annual inspection of records. equipment. personnel. and training. A satisfactory rating was the highest attainable.
Celebrating its first anniversary. the 148th boasted of a
strength around 200 enlisted men and 48 officers and still
recruiting to reach authorized strength of 300 enlisted
personnel and 50 officers. The organization's first group of
44 fuB-time air technicians to serve as "caretakers" were
authorized to be hired.
The Squadron's 48 pilots were flying the same type aircraft as the regular Air Force, meeting the same flying
standards. and were maintaining a proficiency that
enabled them to fly side-by-side with the Air Force ifnecessary. Bombing proficiency was accomplished by flying
over the Atlantic Ocean off the New Jersey coast and
bombing targets towed by the unit's other support aircraft.
Land bombing proficiency was conducted at Indiantown

fighters and 12 other utility craft including four A-26

medium bombers used for towing targets over the ocean,
four AT-6 trainers, and one C-47 cargo and administrative
transport.
The misfortunes of a cold and snowy February 1948
gave the 148th an opportunity to aid in a domestic emergency. Fifty bales of hay were dropped from the C-47
transport to feed deer roaming the snow-choked Blue
Mountains between Shartelsville and Summit Station,
Berks County.
To celebrate its first anniversary, the Squadron held a
banquet 5 March 1948 at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in
Reading. Congressman Frederick A. Muhlenberg was one
of the speakers.
"There are no people in the world who must be watched
more closely than the Russians. It is on account of them we
must arm. We are living in grave times, and it's up to people like you to sell the idea of preparedness to America,"
challenged Congressman Muhlenberg.
Colonel J. Floyd Kuhns, Deputy Adjutant General for
Air in Pennsylvania, warned, "Should the occasion arise,
the Air National Guard would be the first to get a call to
combat action, maybe to protect our own homes and communities."

To that warning, Squadron Commander Major Richard

Posey declared, "If and when the emergency arises, we
will be ready!"
Wanting to show the public the value ofthe Air National
Guard unit, the Squadron sponsored an air show at the
Reading Municipal Airport in June 1948. Nearly tenthousand people turned out for a program of formation flying, aerobatics, and parachute jumping. Other Air Guard
squadrons from Richmond, Virginia; Wilmington, Delaware; and Washington, DC participated in formation flying competition. Our own 148th won the Reading
Exchange Club trophy for compiling the most points in
that competition.
The second summer encampment of the 148th and associate units was held 31 July through 14 August 1948, butit
was very different from the first. The entire organization
participated in a full-scale training encampment at Dover
Air Base, Delaware, with 1,200 Air Guardmen from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia
... all fighter squadron components of the 53rd Fighter
Wing.
From the 148th, 250 enlisted members and 45 officers

Sgt Henry Sokolowski aiding one 01 the lbree bJind men flown to
Michigan by the 148th FS 10 participate in seeing-eye dog training.

participated with the initial group of 200 leaving Reading

in forty vehicles ranging from jeeps to thirty-ton tractor
trailers. By 0900 hours, Saturday, 31 July 1948, 24 F-47s,
one A-26, three AT -6s, and one C-47 left Reading, and by
noon that day, the entire component had arrived at Dover.
The first mission for the fighter planes at the encampment was to participate in a huge air show to be reviewed
by President Harry S. Truman at the dedication of New
York City's Idlewild Airport (now Kennedy International
Airport) in New York City.
Other training stressed air-to-air gunnery proficiency (5
miles from the coast over the Atlantic Ocean), air-toground gunnery practice (at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania), air interception, and formation
flying.
The maintenance and services units took proficiency
training in their specialties.
While at the encampment, Major Posey received word
of his appointment as full-time base detachment com-

Flight line preparations, Dover A.F.B.

Melvin C. Eagle. Medic

"Where to, Bud?"

"Now when I say cheese , . ,"

Melvin Dice, M,P.

. . . Left. Righi, Lefl, Righi ...

mander of the air technicians in addition to his military

assignment as squadron commander.
At the conclusion of the summer encampment, the
148th was honored for achieving the highest score of all
four squadrons competing in the aerial gunnery competition. Major General Kenneth F. Cramer, Chief of the
National Guard Bureau in Washington, was present at the
Camp's conclusion and praised the squadron's marksmanship.
There was yet another "first" in December 1948 when
the unit officially opened the new service club for officers
and enlisted men assigned to the unit. The facility was
renovated and equipped with funds received from the air
show held in June.
The club was open every Thursday night after drill sessions and on Saturdays.
But 1948 would not end without tragedy. On Saturday
afternoon, 11 December 1948, two of the squadron's F-47
Thunderbolts collided in mid-air during a routine formation and plunged to the ground in Muhlenberg Township,
Berks County. Both pilots, First Lieutenant Raymond W.
LeFever, 24, of Reading and Second Lieutenant William T.
Porter, 27, ofBala-Cynwyd, were killed. This was the first
fatality suffered by the 148th.
The unit's very first monthly newsletter and forerunner
of the "Scope" appeared 17 December 1948 as "The
Dutchman Gazette," Vol I, No. l. Its staff included: Corporal Ralph E. East, editor; Staff Sergeants Henry E. Sokolowski and William L. Dull, Jr. , reporters; First Lieutenant
Warren G. Botz, cartoonist.
One article encouraged members to attend technical
schools. It stated that Private John S. Brown (CAM Squadron) is due back in June 1949 from aircraft and engine
school at Keesler Field, Mississippi.

1949
In January 1949, three members of the 148th Fighter
Squadron who had been commissioned as officers earlier,
received their appointments from Colonel William S.
Johnston, Commander of the 53rd Wing. The three new
second lieutenants were: Clarence L. Withers, Hyde Park;
George Spuhler, Mohnton; and Robert D. Trate, ofEarlvilIe.
Lieutenant Withers's career with the Pennsylvania Air
National Guard began in June 1947 as an armament officer
at the rank of technical sergeant and ended with his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of the 201st
Civil Engineering Flight (HR) at Fort Indiantown Gap.
Lieutenant Spuhler joined the 148th In May 1947 and
served as its first sergeant. With his commission, he
became adjutant of the squadron. His Air National Guard
career included duties as the unit's executive officer and
later he was assigned to the NGB liaison AFAC at Denver,
Colorado.
Lieutenant Trate was appointed as the unit's maintenance officer and remained on active duty after the 1951
call upand later died while serving with the U.S. Air Force
at England AFB, LA.
A few weeks later on 11 February 1949, Brigadier General Frank A. Weber, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania
announced that Base Commander, Major Richard B.
Posey, had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

Some of the 25 crew members . who flew to Miami for weekend

Iraining.

148th Supply Room (18ft to right) Charles Rummel. Gerry Henke. Dave

Felix and Roy Faust.

At the same time, it was announced that the 148th had

reached its full strength of 303 enlisted men and needed
only seven officers to fill the roster of its strength of 50.
Following these announcements, 25 enlisted men and
officers flew to Miami, Florida, for a weekend training
flight. LTC Posey flew the SQuadron's C-47 with Lieutenant Daniel Schmehl as the co-pilot.
The 148th celebrated its second anniversary on 12
March 1948 with a dinner-dance at Saint Casimer's Hall in
Reading. Acclaimed as "one of the most proficient Air
National Guard organizations in the country," Colonel J.
Floyd Kuhns, Deputy Adjutant General for AirofPennsylvania, commended the unit by saying, "We can always
depend on Reading when the occasion calls for an aerial

14eth Fighter Squadron in a 1949 photo

demonstration. It is our prayer that these missions will

always be of a peaceful nature. "
Colonel Henry A. Sebastian, Senior Air Instructor for
the 53rd Wing, related that the squadron "has always been
up to snuff and little room is left for criticism. We have
always found the local boys with A-1 ratings."
On 19 and 20 March, 28 pilots and 17 planes of the 148th
participated in two simulated bombing missions from
Reading. The manellvers were flown over Pennsylvania,
New York and New Jersey.
Within that week, the 148th was assigned a radar calibration detachment consisting of 35 enlisted members
and nine officers with Captain Frank Conley serving as
Commander.
Also announced on 24 March 1949 was the commissioning of an additional 21 officer pilots; fifteen were fighter
pilots and assigned F-47 Thunderbolt Fighters. The
remaining six were assigned to fly bomber or transport
planes.
By June 1948, Lieutenant Colonel Milton F. Glessner
whose permanent Air Force assignment was flying
instructor for the 148th, was reassigned to the Air Commander Staff School. His successor here was Major Winfield Brown. By 1950, Major Glessner was working in the
operations and training division of the Ninth Air Force,
Langley Field, Virginia.
The third summer encampment of the 14Bth was again
held at Dover Air Base, Delaware from 13 to 27 August
1949, together with other units of the 53rd Fighter Wing.
One of the training assignments at the encampment was
a four-day aerial gunnery and dive bombing problem
staged under simulated combat conditions. The units
were graded on all phases of operation including administration, supply formations, combat flying, gunnery, take-

offs, landings, night flying, and repair efficiency. Pilots

were graded on gunnery proficiency. This type of aerial
gunnery practice tested the very intensive flying ability of
the pilots as well as the ability of personnel to keep the 50
caliber guns on the Thunderbolts cleaned and loaded.
The 148th had 25 F-47s, one B-26 bomber, oneAT-6, and
one C-47 transport at the encampment. However, the aircraft did not remain at Dover for the entire encampment.
They returned to Reading, Wednesday, 24 August, due to
the threat of an approaching hurricane that lashed the
Atlantic coast. Most of the aircraft were able to return for
an aerial and ground review by Governor James H. Duff
and other Air Force officials on Friday, 26 August.
During the summer encampment, a new C-47 equipped
with all-weather radar instruments was delivered to the
new 103rd Radar Calibration Detachment of the 148th
Fighter Squadron. A second new C-47 (actually the third
C-47 at Reading) was delivered a few days later. The
planes were used to calibrate all types of radar equipment
everywhere in the country.
On 20 November, it was announced that Warrant Officer Robert F. Ruth was to be the new public relations officer of the 148th, replacing Lieutenant John Schach.
The annual inspection of the 148th Fighter Squadron
and its subordinate units began 06 December 1949 by representatives from the Headquarters of the Ninth Air
Force, Langley Field, Virginia. The inspection lasted three
days and covered all phases of ANG activities including
maintenance and operations.

1950
The new year dawned with a change in command for
the 148th Fighter Squadron. Lieutenant Colonel Richard
B. Posey, the unit's successful founding commander, was
reassigned as commander of the 112th Fighter Group,
headquartered in Pittsburgh.
Major Russell G. Ogan, Operations Officer for the 148th,
was advanced to commander of the Unit. Major Ogan was
a charter member of the squadron and an element leader.
Although the 112th Fighter Group was activated in May
1949, it never had a permanent commander. LTC Posey's
Group Command included the 146th and 147th Fighter
Squadrons both located at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport
as well as our 148th Fighter Squadron in Reading. All of
the squadrons were flying F-47 Thunderbolts.
Just two months later, another major change occurred
when Major Ogan announced in early March 1950 that the
role of "interceptor" has been assigned to the 148th. The

SSg! Dick Hill in tool room.

responsibility ofthe 148th was to rise and meet any invading enemy.
In giving the interceptor assignment to the Air National
Guard, the Air Force Continental Air Command declared
that Reading was a "strategic city" and "is located in the
nation's first line of air defense." All fighter squadrons
along the eastern seaboard were redesignated as interceptors.
The 28 F-47s of the 148th were equipped with the usual
armament, all of which were in "excellent firing condition." To insure that unit personnel could get all 28 fully
armed fighters in the air within 30 minutes after a mobilization call, the unit announced that its first mobilization
drill was to be carried out "sometime" before July 1950.
"We want to sum.mon our personnel on a moment's
notice to see how quickly we can get planes into the air,"
Major Ogan said. "We want the public to have advance
warning about the mobilization so that there will be no
hysteria when the order is given by radio and telephone.
It will be a drill and not a war."
Meanwhile many Air Nationai'Guard fighter units were
converting from propeller to jet engine aircraft. The
National Guard Bureau and U.S. Air Force runway length
requirement to operate jets was 6,000 feet. However,
Reading's longest runway was 5,150 feet.
A Reading newspaper columnist was suggesting, as early as January 1950, that someone "start the ball rolling to
lengthen the runway" so the Reading unit could acquire
jets. By March 1950 a formal request tothe City of Reading
was made by representatives of the 148th and the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs that one runway be
extended. The National Guard Bureau in Washington had
assured state and local guard officials that the 148th
would be given F-80 Shooting Stars if a runway was
increased to 6,000 feet.
By August 1950 there was still another change in store
for the 148th when the squadron changed from its familiar
F-47 Thunderbolt to the F-51 Mustang aircraft. The F-47s
were termed "obsolete" by the National Guard Bureau.
Originally the unit was scheduled to get jet fighters
instead of the F-51s, but the runways at the Reading Airport were termed too short for high speed plane operations. The Mustangs were received from the Iowa Air
National Guard at Sioux City.
Summer camp in 1950 was an "all Pennsylvania"
encampment, 12 through 26 August, at Dover Air Base,

Delaware. Much ofthe time was used by the 353 members

of the 148th and its attached units to make the transition
from the F-47 to the new F-51 aircraft. Gunnery formation
flying and radar-controlled interception skills were mastered in short order.
As hostilities in Korea were increasing, an air of anticipation was building with the 148th. But that anxiety was
short-lived because on 22 December1950, the 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was notified that it would be called to federal active duty 1 February 1951 and assigned to
Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
The base assignment was made because the U.S. Air
Force's 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing based at Dover was
reassigned to duty overseas. The 148th mission, while at
Dover, was to intercept any and all unidentified aircraft
penetrating the eastern seaboard of the United States during daylight hours.
While assigned to Dover AFB, the 148th would also have
the responsibility of operating base functions, maintenance, and improvements in addition to its primary mission.

1951
The actual order activating the 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and its associate units came 01 February
1951 with a reporting date of 15 days later, 16 February.
The squadron was then attached to the 26th Air Division
of the Eastern Air Defense Force.
For 15 days personnel received orientation and organization briefings, and by March, the unit's members
became accustomed to the routines of active Air Force
life. Written reports indicated that all personnel have
noticed a big difference in USAF policies as compared to
those of the ANG. "As one goes about Dover AFB, military
courtesy and bearing is becoming more evident in the conduct of the personnel," wrote one unit member.
Lieutenant Colonel Thaddeus D. Harris, Provost Marshal. Eastern Air Defense Force, visited Dover AFB and
spoke "straight from the shoulder" about discipline. He
deplored the "buddy-buddy" atmosphere in the sense of
calling non-commissioned officers by their first names as
well as "non-corns" calling men oflower rank by their first
names while on duty. LTC Harris implored the units to
tighten up on the "buddy-buddy" and think in a businesslike manner.

By 31 March 1951, the official strength of the units was

334 enlisted and 53 officer personnel. However, there was
a constant turnover of squadron personnel as the Air
Force relied on its reserve component for skilled person
nel, particularly those with World War II service experi
ence, for overseas duty.
The 148th duty assignments were:
MAJ Russel R. Ogan
Commander
MAJ Earl F. Kochenour
Base Executive Officer
MAJ Roydon L. Reichley
Base Defense Officer
CPT Warren C. Botz
Flight Safety Officer
Engineering Officer
CPT Albert O. Maenche
CPT Peter R. Phillipy
Operations Officer
CPT Charles B. Rummel
Base Supply Officer
CPT Daniel L. Schmehl
Base Air Installation
Officer
Motor Transport Officer
CPT Herbert Schneider
1LT Christ Athas
Food Service Officer

which permitted the 148th to be on alert status around

theclock and able to fly in all types of weather.
There was a great deal of apprehension among the
squadron's pilots who were Iowan overseas credits. Writ
ten reports stated, "at the rate transfers have been coming
through, it is difficult for any of them (pilots) to plan for the
immediate future. It is believed that many more of our
pilots will be transferred to overseas assignments."
An Air Force inspection, the first for the 148th since its
activation, was conducted in July 1951. One ofthe inspec
tors was heard saying, "This is one of the best units we've
seen."
September 1951 brought the unit's second change in
command when Major Ogan was reassigned to the Alas
kan Air Command to serve as Director of Combat Opera
tions for the northern half of Alaska. A regular Air Force
officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert V. McHale, served a
short time as interim commander.

1952
As the 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron tended to its
mission and responsibilities at Dover AFB, plans were
being made at the Reading airport, Spaatz Field, for their
anticipated return in November 1952.
The 8148th Air Base Squadron was organized 01 Febru
ary 1952 for the purpose of rehabilitating the military
operations area at the northwest corner of Spaatz Field for
use as a permanent training base for Air National Guard'

personnel. The 8148th also procured additional personnel

and requisitioned supplies for the returning 148th.
LTC Richard B. Posey, returning from a tour with the
Strategic Air Command in Spokane, Washington,
assumed command of the entire military operation at
2 PS1s in (ront of 1481h hangar

Unit Historical Officer

1LT Joseph M. Garcia
1LT Chester A. Monaghan, Base Communications
Officer
Jr.
1LT Frank E. Schreiter
Public Relations Officer
1LT George L. Spuhler
Base Adjutant
1LT Clarence L. Withers, Jr. Fire Be Crash Rescue
Officer
2LT Martin Lerner
Auto Maintenance Be
Repair
2LT Robert E. Trate
Aircraft Maintenance
Officer
WO Robert F. Ruth
Tech Supply Officer
Troop morale got a boost when the NonCommissioned
Officer's Club opened. The first social event was a dance
on 29 March 1951. Music was furnished by a three.piece
orchestra called the "Three Js," composed of TSgt Jack
Taker, SSgt Jerry Henke, and Sgt John Matz, all 148th

Spaatz Field.
The 8148th Air Base Squadron, although small in memo
bership, hosted summer encampments for two thousand
Air Guardsmen from Massachusetts and Rhode Island
plus additional encampments for New York, Pennsylva.
nia, and Maryland Air National Guard Units.
Finally, on 31 October 1952, the long 21-month active
duty tour for the 148th ended when it was relieved from
active duty at Dover AFB. The unit was back home at
Reading's Spaatz Field and reactivated in the Pennsylva.
nia Air National Guard on 1 November 1952.

members.

There was time for some athletic activities, too, The Air
Installations section defeated the Base Communications
Section 6 to 0 in a friendly game of softball.
By April 1951, the third month of active military ser
vice, the 148th had completed its 90day indoctrination
program and began converting from its familiar F 51 air
craft to F-84D jet type aircraft and the T-33, its Instrument
flying trainer. Five of the F-51s were transferred to other
guard units in Minnesota and South Dakota. Eventually,
all F51s would be reassigned when 25 F-84Ds were deliv
ered to Dover AFB.
Before long another aircraft change was begun. The
F-84s were replaced by F94 allweather interceptors

Sst Jack Causa and 8ssistanlloading 8n F80

Of the 334 airmen who went on active duty in 1951,

approximately twenty enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, 100
separated from the guard after release from active duty,
and five of the original members gave their lives to the service of their country. They were Lieutenant Colonel Milton F. Glessner, Jr., former Senior Instructor for the 148th
who was reported missing after his F51 crashlanded in
Korea; Captain Charles E. Mack, Reading; First Lieutenant William M. Glaser; and First Lieutenants Donald G.
Grey, Pottstown, and David H. Morris, Allentown, who
both lost their lives in Korean combat flying F-84s.
Now back home on the still too-short runways, the
148th was reassigned F51H Mustang aircraft. The unit's
primary focus was to rebuild itself to a high level so it
could again perform its federal mission, if required .
On 1 December 1952, the unit was redesignated the
148th Fighter Bomber Squadron with a mission to intercept and destroy enemy airborne weapons or enemy surface targets.

1953
In January, the Air Guard responded in a rather unus ual
way to a domestic emergency. Col Robert C. Boden, Commander of the 112th Fighter Bomber Wing and LTC Rich
ard B. Posey, Commander of the 148th Fighter Bomber
Squadron were credited with bringing an end to several
days of rioting at Rockview Penitentiary (in Bellfonte).
LTC Posey, flying an F-51, and Col Boden, in a C47
buzzed the huge prison 14 times and shortly thereafter the
rioting prisoners surrendered unconditionally.
This was a time for joy and giving thanks as the 148th
was back home in time to celebrate its sixth anniversary
with a dinner-dance 10 March 1953. PartiCipating in the
program were Frank C. Hilton, Past National Commander
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Lieutenant General
Frank A. Weber, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania; Colonel Robert C. Boden, Commander of the 112th Fighter
Bomber Wing; Colonel John B. Coleman, Senior Air
Instructor from the U.S. Air Force; Melvin H. Nuss, Director of the Reading Municipal Airport; and Lieutenant Colonel Richard B. Posey, Commander of the 148th.
General Weber commended Berks County for its vast
manpower contributions during World Wars I and II as
well as the Korean Conflict. The adjutant general also
announced that a bronze plaque was to be erected at

Jack Jasinski and Kenneth Fake

148th Armament Seelian's 1951 Christmas Party

OUf nurse wilh somo Dover A.F.B. medical personnel

Spaatz Field in memory of the eleven men who had been

killed serving the 148th.
Entertainment and music was provided by the unit's
own "Four Js" (formerly the "Three Js"), Jerry Henke,
organ and piano; Mokey Shultz, trumpet and combo
drums; Jack Taker, drums and saxophone; and Johnny
Matz, guitar.
The dinner dance committee included LTC Posey, General Chairman; Staff Sergeant Ralph E. East, decorations;
Master Sergeants Jerome W. Reddy, John T. Toker and
Gerald V. Henke, entertainment; and Airman First Class
Gary H. Bechtel, program.
On 9 July 1953, it was announced that LTC Richard
Posey had been promoted to Colonel. ActuaBy Colonel
Posey was promoted by the State Department of Military
Affairs on 25 June, but federal recognition was required
before the promotion could be announced. Colonel Posey

Answering a number of complaints about the time

members had to spend in drill sessions, the General
answered, "It is necessary to make sacrifices in time and
effort because we want to remain strong."
More than 200 attended the seventh anniversary celebration on 10March 1954 in Reading. Major Peter Phillipy,
unit commander, announced that a recent recruiting
drive increased the personnel of the squadron to 270. FuB
strength is 400.
As a portion of Spaatz Field in Reading had been rehabilitated to serve as a permanent training site for Air
National Guard use, more than 1,100 Air Guardsmen from
New York and Pennsylvania began their summer
encampment 10 July through 24 July 1954.
Members of the 139th Fighter-Bomber Squadron from
Schenectady, New York, and the ll1th Fighter-Bomber
Wing, Philadelphia, had flown in 55 aircraft which would
later perform air-to-ground gunnery at Indiantown Gap
Military Reservation.
The 112th Fighter-Bomber Wing, Pennsylvania Air
National Guard, composed of Pittsburgh's 146th and 147th
Fighter-Bomber Squadrons as weB as our own 148th performed annual training at Spaatz Field 14 to 28 August
1954.
Although Major Phillipy was the military commander
of the 148th, Colonel Posey was the commanding officer of
General Spaatz Field.

P-5t on ramp at Spaatz Field

was serving as Executive Officer of the 112th Fighter

Bomber Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard as well as
base detachment commander at Spaatz Field.
The summer encampment for 1953 was held in August
at home station, Spaatz Field, for the first time since 1947.
It was a successful one as the 148th captured the coveted
LTG Frank Weber Trophy which was awarded annually to
the PaANG unit tbat completed a summer encampment
with the highest composite score in all phases of operation.

On 2 August 1953, Major Peter R. Phillipy, formerly the

squadron operations officer, was named commander of
the 148th. Captain Wilmer R. Hepner was named operations officer. By the end of 1953, the assigned strength of
the 148th was 233 enlisted men and 27 officers.

1954
The 148th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, celebrating its
seventh anniversary in March 1954, heard Lieutenant
General Frank A. Weber, Pennsylvania Adjutant General
proclaim the unit "one of the best" ever inspected by the
Air Force. He based his remarks on an earlier inspection
made by members of the First Air Force headquarters,
Mitchell Field, New York.
"The 148th passed all ofthe tests with flying colors, and
the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs is mighty
proud of you men," General Weber proclaimed, "The
148th helps to give Pennsylvania one of the greatest military establishments in the nation."

Ralph East, O,V. Snyder, Jack Toker, John Weiser

Summer Camp. 1953

Chet Monaghan. assisted by Nick Fiore. in the cockpit

1955
This was to be a year of great impact on the 148th as a
variety of decisions were made clarifying the fate of the
H8th at Spaatz Field.
.
The annual federal inspection of the 148th was conducted in February and was rated as satisfactory. The inspection report indicated that the operations and training of
the unit was excellent. But the report continued, "Flying
training is being hampered by the assignment of obsolete
F-51 type aircraft."
The first change in 1955 came when the unit was redesignated the 148th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. All
fighter squadrons on tho east coast were given that designation because of their geographic location near the seaboard. The mission of protecting the United States against
any and all aggressors remained.
Several changes in command came about in 1955 when
Colonel Posey was named Commander of the 112th Fighter Interceptor Wing based in Pittsburgh.

This promotion resulted in the promotion of squadron

commander Major Peter Phillipy to base commander at
General Spaatz Field. Major Phillipy was performing a
dual role base commander at Reading as well as Commander of the 112th Fighter-Interceptor Group [146th and
H7th at Pittsburgh and the 148th at Reading). Major John
Oack) W. Martin assumed command of the 148th In April
1955. Another first for the H8th was its summer encampment at Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York, 23 July
through 6August 1955, along with other units in the 112th
Wing.
Rather tban flying over the Atlantic Ocean for gunnery
practice, the bomber pilots flew over Lake Ontario.
Although there was 'intense rivalry between pilots for
accuracy and proficiency, our 148th won the Adjutant
General's Trophy for the most proficient flying record
during the encampment. The trophy was presented at
Hancock Field by Major General Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr., Adjutant General of Pennsylvania.
An announced change that had perhaps the most profound effect on the 148th was a published report that the
"local air guard unit [148th)" would be transferred to a
new airport near York, Pennsylvania, and a new transport
squadron would be assigned to Reading to replace the
148th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron.
In the post-Korean modernization of Air Guard flying
units, jets were rapidly replacing propeller-driven fighters such as our F-51H "Mustangs." With the introduction
of jet aircraft, the Reading unit faced a dilemma - the airfield characteristics of Spaatz Field plus the mountainous
terrain around Reading could not safely accommodate the
jet aircraft to which fighter squadrons were converting.

L '0 R. Unknown. Capt. Athas. Col. Po.ey and Lt. Spuhler

PSl In flight - What a sight

L 10 R: Spuhler. Hepner, Phllippy. Bereschak and WeAver on tour of the Thousand Islands

1956
As negotiations and preparations for the transfer of the
148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron to the proposed airport at Admire (York County) proceeded, the Air Force
and the National Guard Bureau continued with plans to
organize and activate the transport squadron at Spaatz
Field, Reading.
The glorious days ofthe fighter planes finally came to an
end for Reading's 148th on 1 May 1956. The nine-year old
148th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was put on inactive
status while awaiting its reassignment to the new York
County Airport. Meanwhile, the 140th Air Transport
Squadron Medium (AE) was organized and federally recognized at Spaatz Field. Also in May 1956 Major Nicholas
J. Bereschak became the Commander.
All of the 148th members became members ofthe 140th,
and the herculean task of converting everything from a
fighter unit to a transport unit began. One of the biggest
adjustments was that of converting aircraft from F-51s to
40 passenger C-46 Commando transports.
In June 1956, our founding commander, Colonel Richard B. Posey, was named Deputy Adjutant General for Air
of Pennsylvania. Colonel Posey succeeded Brigadier General Robert C. Boden who resigned earlier in 1956 to enter
private enterprise. Colonel Posey's most recent post was
commander of the 112th Fighter-Interceptor Wing headquartered in Pittsburgh.
The first summer encampment for the newly organized
140th Air Transport Squadron was held 28 July through 11

August 1956 along with the 112th Fighter-Interceptor

Wing from Pittsburgh. The combined strength of the two
units was 1,500 men, most of whom traveled to the
encampment at Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York, by
bus.
By this time, the fighter squadrons making up the 112th
Wing had been converted to F-84 "Thunderstreaks,"
while the 140th had five C-46 "Commandos." The 140th
was attached to the 112th Wing for the training period.

#313 on trailer

1957

148th Crash Station

The unit's transition from the single-engine fighter aircraft flown since 1947 reached a finale on 27 January 1957
when the last F-51 Mustang was flown out .. . forever.
But, February 1957 brought two milestones: on 1 February the 140th Air Transport Squadron was redesignated
the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron, Light. and on
27 February the personnel of the 140th marked ten years
of service as a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National
Guard.
.
Because aircraft could evacuate medical cases more
quickly and effectively than any other type of transport,
air evacuation had become the accepted practice for moving military patients.
The mission of the 140th Aeromedical Transport
Squadron Light continued their dual objectives. During
peacetime, the mission was to provide immediate and
medically acceptable air transport service for evacuations

Robert Brown and John Schach in the cockpit or a C-46

within the Commonwealth. In wartime, the 140th was to

provide that same evacuation service for all military personnel while serving ~ith the 12th Aeromedical Transport Squadron Continental Division of the Military Air
Transport Service.
Rather than fighter pilots flying gunnery practices at
Indiantown Gap, over the Atlantic Ocean or Lake Ontario,
our "new" transport pilots began running simulated evacuation flights in C-46s between Spaatz Field and various
hospital bases throughout the United States.
There were 20 crews flying for the 140th in 1957; each
crew consisting of a pilot, copilot, flight mechanic, one
nurse. and two medical technicians.
In April, the Aeromedical Section was formed , and with
the assignment of the first flight nurse Irene Svadeba, the
training of qualified airmen to become aeromedical technicians had begun.
Nurses' duties involved patient care includingadministering medications while in flight . The medical technicians assisted the nurses.
The reunion of all the former commanders of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's unit at Reading was the
highlight of the tenth anniversary celebration on 28
March 1957. Attending the dinner-dance with more than
250 unit members and friends were these former commanders:
'Colonel Richard B. Posey, the first commander of the
original 148th Fighter Squadron and in 1957 was Pennsylvania's Deputy Adjutant General for Air.

C-46 on ramp.

'Lieutenant Colonel Russel G. Ogan who succeeded

Colonel Posey and in 1957 was attached to the Air
Defense Command, U.S. Air Force.
'MajorPeterR. Phillipy, who was LTC Ogan'ssuccessor and in 1957 was commander of the 112th FighterInterceptor Group in Pittsburgh.
'Major Bereschak, current commander of the 140th.
arranged the anniversary party.
Summer encampment. 1957. (29 June through 13 July)
was conducted at Hancock Field. Syracuse. New York.

C46 engine maintenance at Hancock FieJd, Syracuse, New York

Supply Barracles at Syracuse. N,Y.

Capt. Monaghan is (itled for a parachute at Hancock Field,

With its C-46 Commandos outfitted to carry patients. the

140th was able to train in its two-fold mission: to provide
immediate and medically acceptable air transport service
for aeromedical evacuation within Pennsylvania and to
provide the same service for the Military Transport Service.

"Practice makes perfect," Drill practice at Syracuse. N.Y.

Lt. Herr conducting a guided tour of (he facilities.

As of 1 September 1957. this was the operations staff:

Captain George L. Spuhler Executive Officer
Captain Wilmer L. Hepner Operations Training
Officer
Captain Robert W. Eno
Assistant Operations
Supervisor
TSgt Ernest F. Graeff
Air Operations
Supervisor
SSgt Clarence W. Bauder
Administrative Clerk
Captain Chester Monaghan
Aircraft Maintenance
Jr.
Officer
Captain John K. Kissell
Ground Communications
Officer
SSgt Paul W. Weidensaul
Ground Communications
Supervisor
Major Daniel L. Schmehl
Base Supply Officer
Captain Neil B. Bentz
Unit Base Supply Officer

The end of an era - final P-51 flights.

2Lt Roy C. Miller

Base Supply Chief
Captain Clarence L. Withers
Air Installation Engineer
TSgt Charles E. Kline
Crash Rescue Section
Chief
Captain George C. Ginter Jr. Flight Surgeon
Meanwhile. on 31 October 1957. the 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron era ended when plans for its new home
airport in York County fell through and the 148th was
deactivated. The squadron had been on inactive status
since 1 May 1956 and died after a glorious life of 10 years
and 8 months. The only remaining component of the 148th
was the Weather Flight which continued to provide
weather data to the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron,

Dr. Oelp and various medical personnel

Break-lime outside the Operations Bu ilding

Above:F~-18 Id'i n Reading.

Spa8lz

S1 '-3 Cub an d C--46 Commando at

bo

. )-3 Cu b at Spasl:: Fie Id I n Reading

Ave.

. at Middletown

Left: Ten-Hut. formation tam

Above: Flight Line at Spaatz Field.

Reading.

Above: C-121's in .now at Middletown. a very pretty sight

Left: F-4 Thunderbird. during Air Show demonstration at
Middletown

Below! Cl19J at the AirShow

35

C-46 Flight Crew L to R: Standing Albert Kruziskl. John Smith. Charles Hafer; Kneeling L to R: Richard Zeigler. Irene Svadeba. Robert Brown .

A Reading Eagle newspaper article dated 16 November

1957 named three of the 140th flight nurses: Lt Florence
Mann, Bethlehem; Lt Irene Svadeba, Bethlehem; and Cpt
Pearl K. Rothenberger, Reading.
Also mentioned in the article was a former airman in the
maintenance section, 2Lt George J. Kostival, completed
navigator training at Mather Air Force Base, California.

1958
There was little time to mourn the loss of the 148th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron because in April 1958 the
140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron was again converting aircraft .. . from the C-46 Commando to the C-119J
"Flying Boxcars." The new aircraft increased the squad-

ron's medical airlift capability. The initial allocation was

flve C-119s to serve as ambulance evacuation aircraft to
carry sick and wounded personnei.
Aircraft litters were mounted on the C-119s on seven
tiers, each five litters high, for a maximum litter capacity
of 35 personnei. By altering the configuration, a total of 76
troops could be carried in emergency evacuations. The
C-119 carried an aeromedical crew of six (the pilot, copilot, flight mechanic, flight nurse, and two medical technicians).
Much ofthe squadron's training was accomplished during the monthly weekend training assemblies at Spaatz
Field.
Summer camp 1956 was held at the Air National Guard
Permanent Training Site at Hancock Field in Syracuse,
New York, 7-21 June 1956. There were 363 officers, air-

men, and nurses participating.

The purposes of the 1958 encampment was two fold: to
give the aircrews additional opportunities to log transition

flights in the "new" C-119 aircraft, and to conduct in

flight simulated aeromedical evacuation missions for the
nurses and aeromedical crewmen.
In 1958 typical training problems included inf1ight care
and treatment of a polio patient with respiratory paralysis,

a tubercular patient, and the use of restraints for the men

tally ill.
By mid-1958 there were two qualified flight nurses, a
general nurse, and 15 aeromedical technicians assigned to
the aeromedica l section. A flight surgeon (physician) was
to be assigned in the near future.
The units supporting the 140th Aeromedical Transport
Squadron included:

F-948

FSl Mustang

Above: C-47 on ramp at

Middletown

Above: Red Flag Exercise. Nellis AFB. Nevada

Below: Deploymenllo Cermany

"Gee, I forgot the peanut on the end of th e slick, so have n

banana," says Bob Harris, Elephant Driver.

38

Disembarking at Korat A.B., Thailand

LTC Witmer after a mission in Korat.

C-121 aircraft in night.

39

A3C William A. Leade r shows his pa ss to air poll ee as he re turns

Hancock Fi e ld from a vis it to Syracuse. N.Y.

10

Operations and Training Section - Captain Wilmer

Hepner planned and carried out all aircraft missions.
Aircraft Maintenance Section - Captain Chester
Monaghan repaired the squadron's aircraft.
Flight Enginee ringSection - TSgt Donald Shupp performed maintenance and preflight on the aircraft .
Personal Equipment Section - SSgt Harvey Dietz
provided inspection and re-packing of parachutes and
maintenance of survival equipment.
Base Supply Section - Captain Daniel Schmehl provided equipment and conducted the refueling of the aircraft.
Air Installation Section - Captain Clarence Withers
operated crash trucks and kept the squadron's physical
plant operational.
Motor Vehicle Section - CWO Raymond Milleropersted and maintained the pool of motor vehicles.
Ground Communications Section - Captain John
Kissell handled telephone and other form s of unit communications.
Accounting Section - Captain Chris Athas controlled the expenditure of unit dollars.
Food Service Section - WO Donald Fox fed the
squadron's 326 airmen and officers.
There were also 100 full-time technicians and a fulltime Air Force Advisor on duty to maintain the facilities
and supervise the training of the guardsmen .
"You call- we haul" aptly described the ready-state of
the members and aircraft of the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron/ Light.

1959
This year's summer encampment in August was again
held at the Air National Guard's Field Training Site at
Hancock Field, Syracuse, NY. Our 140th Aeromedical
Transport Squadron trained with the 105th Aeromedical
Transport Group, New York Air National Guard, from
Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn .
The two units combined resources and trained in a variety of aeromedical transfers.

1960

Some familiar face. preparing for a formation In Syracuse. Can you

spot Ken Salem . Ron Estock. Karl Spohn . and Dick Hill?

By 1960 the unit boasted a manning of 335 enlisted

members and fifty officers which included nine Oight
nurses, a physician, and a dentist.
For the first time since 1954, the 140th performed its
summer encampment at home base, Spaatz Field, from 23
July to 6 August 1960. Three to four training missions were
flown each day of the encampment to increase proficiency
in the transporting of the sick and injured from hospital or
disaster area to hospital. Another feature of the encampment was a series .9f operl'tional readiness flights under
simulated combat conditions with mock patients aboard
to be cared for by flight nurses and medical technicians.
One air evacuation mission went to Barnes Airport.
Mass.; Otis Air Force Base, Mass. Burlington, Vermont;
Schenectady, NY; and returned to Reading. A second mission went to Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, N.Y .; Syracuse Air Force Station, N.Y.; and returned to Reading.
The third mission flew to Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome,
N.Y. and returned.

C-t19

The operational readiness flights were evaluated by a

ten-member inspection team from the Inspector General's
Office, Headquarters, 14th Air Force, Robins Air Force
Base, Georgia. Because the readiness inspection was so
successful, the HOth received an award for achieving "an
outstanding level of operational readiness." The 140th
was one of only nine Air National Guard units determined
by the Air Force to be "operationally ready" having all of
its authorized aircraft and auxiliary equipment in shape
to perform the assigned mission plus having personnel
qualified for the mission.
By late 1960, the 140th was notified that it would be converting aircraft from the C-119J "Flying Boxcars" to the
much larger and faster C-121 "Constellations" which
wera being phased out of the active forces . However, this
aircraft conversion had much greater impact on the unit

than any previous conversion. The C-121s could not be

based at Spaatz Field because of the airport's short runways and inadequate glide slopes.
Representatives of Headquarters, Pennsylvania Air
National Guard and the 140th visited Olmsted Air Force
Base in Middletown where an 8,000 foot long runway had
been recently built. Discussions concerning the relocation
of the 140th from Reading to Middletown were quite
favorable and negotiations with the National Guard
Bureau and the Air Force were initiated. Olmsted's total
runway length could easily accommodate the large fourengine C-121s, and the Middletown base was sufficiently
close to Reading so that the 450 guard members and ninety
full-time technicians could continue their assignments.
Although commercial airlines were flying Constellations at the Reading Airport, the Super Constellations

The nying section of the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron in 1960: (Front row, lert to right) Alfred Krususkl. Ronald Dunkelberger, John

Gingrich, unknown, Thomas C. Barnhart. John Smith. Siegfried Herbert. Keith A. Jones, Carl C. Binner. Robert Fidler, David L. Reeser. Joel Zinno
John Meridionale. Robert L. Warkoczewski, Maxsim Siwy Jr. (Back row) Daniel L. Berst. Richard Unger, Henry Miller. unknown. unknown, Rita
Mairguth, Charlotte Mazzlom, Ralph E. East, Hugh Wigley, Dorothy Usick, unknown, Iren. Svadawa, Ellzahath Herness, Richard E. Groff, Harry
Rood. Richard Scheaffer, David Berger.

Above: Lead alrcrew to Karat A.B. Thailand.

Left: Andoya. Norway

Below: A rare photo of the world famous Gooch

Brothers. along with a cast of others at Ramsteln.
Germany.

42

C130on ina) with an F15 in the foreground.

Machinist Larry Swick

PA ANG ClSO aircraft and F16's at Nellis AFB.

Above: Some 193rd'ers in Italy.

Left: On deployment 10 Aviano, Italy.

Harry Frankhouser, L, and John Hozza doing nose gear door

maintenance.

Loading patients on a C119 MedEv8caircraft.

Now where does this go? TSC lohn laslnskl and helper do wire
ma in tenance on a C-t19.

Off-Loading patients from a Ct19 Med-Evac aircraft.

\.

George Spuhler presents Carl Spohn and Gerald Fleishood Outstand ing
Airman and NCO awards.

S8t Dennis Ebersole. L. and SSG Bill Hassler work. on an 0 10 fire truck

John Stamm on traps and the summer camp serenade rs. HancocK Field, Syracuso, N. Y.

Interior or a C130 aircrart cockpit.

" Now look. son. when I was your age.

Inlerioror Bldg. 15, maintenance hangar.

46

Ee13D aircraft in flight.

LTC Tom Cope

Men from the 193'8 POL Section prepa re to

refuel an aircraft.

.,

were at least onethird longer than the commercial ver

sion.

On 1 February 1961, the 140th Aeromedical Transport

Squadron was officially relocated to the sprawling Dim
sted Air Force Base after fifteen years in Reading. Because
of the transfer to Olmsted AFB and the anticipated conver
sion to C121 aircraft, the number of authorized personnel
positions was increased by onehundred.
By early 1961, the 140th was flying ten C119Js with two
internally modified and soundproofed to make transpor.
tation more comfortable for patients. The unit anticipated
trading in its C119Js and its one C47 for eight C121
Super Constellations by the end of 1961.
Meanwhile, summer camp 1961 (115 July) was the first
ever conducted at Olmsted AFB. Approximately 375
enlisted men and women and officers, mostly Berks Coun
ty residents, worked diligently to sharpen their skills in
the new active Air Force Base environment. More than
300 hours of simulated aeromedical evacuation missions
at a rate of about seven flights per day were flown.
In the case of a true emergency, the unit was capable of
having at least one aircraft airborne in half an hour with
the unit becoming fully operational within four hours.
Although colocate~ with the active Air Force, the 140th
remained selfsufficient and operated without any sup
port from regular units.
Although quite meager, the 140th had hangar facilities,
aircraft maintenance shops, a dispensary, and unit supply
facilities.
The highlight of the 1961 summer encampment was a
visit by Major General Malcolm A. Hay, Pennsylvania's
new Adjutant General. (General Hay replaced Major Gen

Aaron Denlinger, L. and Richard Meyeu C-119 pilots.

eral Anthony J. Drexel Biddle who was named Ambassa

dor to Spain.) General Hay was accompanied on his
inspection of the squadron by Colonel Richard B. Posey,
Deputy Adjutant General for Air; Major Nicholas
Bereschak, Squadron Commander; and Major George L.
Spuhler, Squadron Executive Officer. During the summer
camp it was announced that the C121s would come from
an Air Force unit and should arrive by the end of the year .

. , '",

-~

-" r-

"
,

Some of Ihe personnel pre5ent (or summer camp 1960

-/
C119's on the flightline at Olmstead Field

1962
As an aeromedical unit with a mission of flying wounded or injured personnel, the flight nurses were responsible
for the welfare of patients being flown from hospital to
hospital. The pilots flew altitudes designated by the
nurses .. . depending upon the condition of the patients.
Enroute, the nurses and medical technicians were prepared to administer transfusions, care for fractures [including broken backs), shock trauma, and were able to
restrain mentally affected patients. Oxygen, plasma, a
variety of drugs, and even an iron lung [when needed)
were carried on each aircraft. The unit's flight surgeon did
not treat injured passengers, but rather cared for the
health of the unit's members.
In 1962 the manned strength of the 140th was 350 personnel including thirty pilots and eleven flight nurses.
The unit was authorized 705 members of whom over half
to be assigned to aircraft maintenance.
The 1962 summer encampment was held at the Air
National Guard Permanent TrainingSite at Otis Air Force
Base, Massachusetts. The major reason the encampment
was held at Otis [for the first time in our history) was
because it had a C-121 training simulator where our pilots
were able to become familiar with the cockpit prior to the

C-121 arrival late in 1962. During the field training, medical evacuation flights were flown to McGuire, Travis,
Scott and Kelly Air Force Bases. Some of the flights carried
simulated victims while other flights flew actual patients.
A retirement ceremony was held during the August
drill weekend to honor Lieutenant Colonel Earl F. Kochenour. Colonel Kochenour was Deputy for Personnel
assigned to PaANG Headquarters, at Indiantown Gap, but
he began his career in The Air Service Group which was
assigned to the 148th Fighter Squadron.
Finally on 2 November 1962, the first of seven C-121
Super Constellation aircraft arrived at Olmsted AFB giving the 140th international flying capabilities. As more
C-121s arrived, the C-llgs were transferred to an Air
Force Reserve unit.
Pilots took transition training at Charleston, SC while
flight engineers trained at a school established at Middletown. Before delivery here, each "Connie" was outfitted
with four new engines and the latest radar, Tacan, and distance measuring equipment.
The Connies increased the unit 's evacuation capability
from 35 litter patients in the C-119 to 60 litters. The C-119
non-stop flying distance was 1,500 miles at 170 miles per
hour while the C-121 was rated at 2,500 miles flying 370
mph.

Francis Shipe, L, and Billy Mengel at a records review

Getting ready for chow time

Dick. Beissel, Jesse Kendall and Chet Monaghan review dispatch status.

Dick. Hill, Davey Weidner and Heinz Naumann checking catalogs.

Let ', see now, this hickey goe. on the thingamajig then around the
widget.

Billy Mengel doing maintenance on the interior of the Cl19 aircraft.

..,

Connie Aungst and her medical crew, John Meridionale and Richard Onger hold 8 mission briefing.

Patient loading on a C-119 aircraft

Connie Aungst with a patient on a C-119 aircraft during a simu1ated medical evacuation mission.

Building 300. our first home on Olmstead AFB after moving from
Reading.

1963
The first half of 1963 was spent getting accustomed to
the new larger C-121 Super Constellations. Unit strength
had reached 451 enlisted members and 64 officers who
were needed to support the Connies and the expanded
global mission.
As everyone was gaining proficiency with the C-121.
the very first training flight of the 140th over water from
America to another land came in late May 1963 when several crews flew from Olmstead AFB to Ramey AFB. Puerto
Rico.

The first transoceanic flight of the 140lh departed Olmsted AFB 22 June for Frankfort. Germany and returned 28
June 1963. Major Nicholas Bereschak. Commander of the
140th. was a member of the crew on the first flight. One
month later the second European trip was completed
between 20 and 26 July 1963.
The primary objective of the over-water training flights
was to thoroughly familiarize crew members and medical
personnel with flying and navigation procedures used
over the Atlantic Ocean and in Europe. During this training stage. seven different European routes were flown taking the 140th to England. France. Spain. Germany. and
Canada as well as stops in Bermuda and the Azores. The
140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron was becoming
truly international.
Major Bereschak explained in a newspaper article.
"Once our aircraft crews are completely oriented in overwater techniques. the 140th can be called upon to fly these
same missions with medical passengers. Use of Air
National Guard outfits to support regular Air Force units
means that these units can direct their men and equipment to more vital. strategic operations."
Another "first" occurred in 1963 when the "Texas
Plan" was initiated at the 14Olh. This meant that rather
than the entire squadron performing field training during
a primary period as in the past. members would schedule
their fifteen days annual training throughout the year.
This insured that proper support was available for the
continuous stream of overseas flights.

.k '

6.

There has to be an oil leak!

....

In 1963, most non-flying personnel in administrative

and ground support sections completed their annual
training at Olmsted AFB during two periods, 15 through 29
July and 27 July through 10 August 1963.
The largest mass swearing-in ceremony since the
squadron transferred from Reading occurred on 22 June
1963 when 23 were enlisted, and three more were enlisted
the next day bringing the total weekend gain to 26 members. The authorized strength of the unit climbed to 744
members.
The domestic peace-time service of the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron was utilized on 23 August 1963
when a C-121 transported Sandra Lee Boyd, a 16-year-old
Pennside girl, from Reading to Massachusetts General
Hospital in Boston. Sandra was seriously injured when
she was struck by an automobile in Rome, Italy. She was
flown on a commercial flight back to the United States
where her physician decided she must have special hip
surgery performed at a Boston hospital.
The one-hour flight from Reading to Boston in a C-121
was flown by Captain Frank J. Lamm. Medical personnel
accompanying Sandra were 140th members Captain Connie Aungst, Staff Sergeant Ralph East, and Airman Second
Class Daniel Berst.
1964

On 16 February 1964 yet another "first" came about as

the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron became a
Group and was extended federal recognition as the 168th

Air Transport Group. The mission of the 168th was modified to include the transporting of material and supplies in
addition to the aeromedical transportation mission.
Prior to 1964, units were squadrons with their various
support functions called elements. With the Group designation, the supporting elements became squadrons.
In addition to the 168th Air Transport Group, these
squadrons were also established on 16 February 1964:
'168th Support Squadron - Major Clarence Withersresponsible for Group administrative and personnel, air police, and dining activities.
'168th Materiel Squadron - Captain Neil B. Bentz was the result of a merger of the supply and maintenance elements.
'140th Aeromedical Evacuation Flight - consisted of
flight nurses and aeromedical technicians.
Another highlight of 1964 occurred on 23 July 1964
when ground was broken at the west end of Olmsted Air
Force Base for the construction of a $446,000 aircraft
maintenance dock 'for the 168th, the first building construction ever authorized for the unit in its seventeen year
history.
Because the wing span of the C-121 was too great to fit
into building S-300, most maintenance was performed
outside. The new dock would allow for inside 'maintenance. Actually the maintenance dock building was the
first phase of a $4,386,000 building program plallned for
Olmsted during 1964-65. Other buildings planned for the
Air National Guard included a second maintenance dock ,
a base supply building plus an operations and training
building.

The famous '3 J's' all play and no work ror these swingin' cats - or whatever. Jack Toker, drums; Mokey Shultz, trumpet and Jerry Henke at the
organ.

Leo Braun and Heinz Nauman draw a bead on someone or something down ran8e at the shootin8gallery.

"This, gentlemen, is an aircrat propeller," say. Capt. Frank Lamm to his attentive class consisted of L to R: Lt. Malone TSG Boyer and MSG
Rissmiller

EC121S Coronet Solo

Otis AFB, MA

M, Gauker, L, Braum, H, Naumann at the firing fange

Flight crew inspecting the nose wheel assembly of OUf new Connie. In
the background is the former maintenance hanger. Bldg_ .300, now the
site of the air cargo ramp.

Crew of first overseas European trip June 1963

TSG T. Lowe. MSG R. Rissmiller. TSG R. Still; LTC D. Scheme hI. MAl W. Campbell. MAl N. Beresehek. MAl R. Eno. CPT E. Hull. 1LT loe Betes. CPT

Jay Herr.
Sandra Lee Boyd. 16 yeerold deughtero!
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Boyd ofPannside
smiles from her Jitter In the "Super
Connie" of the 140 ATS which took her to
Massachusetts General Hospital in
Boston. The girl was Injured when struck
by an automobile In Rome Aug 2.
Attended on the flight by R. East. D. Berst
and Connie Aungst

Gold Tournament
L-R Daniel Berst. Donald McAu1iHe. Jan Kretz. Tom Lowe. Will Cammaur. Harold Trautman. Donald Snyder. Norman Brown. John Hozza. Barry
Himmelberger

SGT Peters A 1C Richard Schollenbe rge r

Golf Tournament
L-R Eugene Blouch, Russell Shultz, Leo Braum. Donald McAuliffe. Dick Will, Cerry Fleischood

Demonstraling driving reaction simulator by Charlie Hughes

MSgt John Brown working on an R3350 engine (or the el21

--

..

Because the wingspan was longer than hangar opening, the wing tip. had to be removed to place aircraft in the hanger (Bldg. 300)

Father of the Year John Weiger, Bob Martin. Nancy Mongahan. Henry Sokolowski. Karl Spohn, Ralph East

1965
Conditions at Olmsted Air Force Base were crowded at
best, and the 168th still had facilities scattered from one
end of the base to the other. In order to have sufficient
classroom space and adequate training facilities, the
Group's support, supply, and aircraft maintenance squadrons plus the dispensary attended a summer encampment
24' July through 7 August 1965 at Otis Air Force Base in
Massachusetts. The air crews and the aeromedical night
did not participate as their annual training requirement
was accomplished when they supplemented official Air
Force missions. throughout the year.

The 168th announced that it was about to expand operational missions and voluntarily partiCipate in active Air
Force aeromedical evacuation operations. The missions
were to begin in August 1965 with the airlifting ofpatients
in the Caribbean.
But the highlight of 1965 came in November and
December when the 168th Air Transport Group participated in the Department of Defense project "Christmas
Star." This was the code name for a project in which Air
National Guard transport units were tasked with the airlifting of gifts, Christmas cards, and letters to the U.S. soldiers stationed in Southeast Asia. From 29 November
through 14 December 1965, three "Christmas Star" flights
flown by the 168th airlifted 30,667 pounds of goodies
donated by Central Pennsylvanians to the U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet engaged in naval operations in Southeast Asia.

Spring Frolic Planning Committee

LR Donald McAuliffe. John Gingrich, Leo Braun, Ralph East, Eugene Blouch. Clarence Withers. William Hoff, Paul Weidensaul , John Hozza

U. S.AJR

We've heard of nose jobs. but this I. ridiculous

The St.rr
LR Maj Neil Bontz. Maj Chris Athas. Maj Wilmer Hepner. Lt Col Nicholas Bereschak, Capt Donald Snyder. Maj Glenn Dissinger. Maj Chester
Mongahan

Santas in Flying Suits . .. Christmas Star

The 1965 Christmas holiday looked especially bleak to
the thousands of service members serving in Southeast
Asia. There were literally tons of gifts destined for our
troops, but there was no way to transport the gifts
overseas. Active duty aircraft were dedicated to priority
movement of men and equipment to Viet Nam .
Then just as if Santa himself requested help, the
Department of Defense ordered the 25 Air National
Guard transport units, including the 168th ATG, to each
fly three missions to Southeast Asia to deliver the cards
and gifts.
Named "Christmas Star," the missions called for the
initial C121 flight to depart Olmsted at noon, the 20th of
November 1965, with 610 pounds of precious necessities
plus one ton of cookies donated by the York County 4-H
club. After departing Olmsted the aircraft picked up an
additional 1v, tons of gifts at the Willow Grove Naval Air
Station and then the "four engine sleigh" began its 90
hour flight to Na Trang to arrive four days after its departure from Middletown.
There was no formal reception as the transport had to
"get in and get out" to make room for other flights to
land. Col Bereschak described the airfield scene as one
bustling with activity and compared it to air operations
in Berlin during the historic Berlin Airlift. The plane and
crew remained there only about five hours.
The second of the three flights departed Olmsted at
1052 hours on Monday, the 29th of November 1965 with
almost seven tons of Christmas Star parcels on board, its
destination was Tan Son Nhut.
Another near capacity load of seven tons of gifts and

necessities bound for Cam Ram Bay left Olmsted AFB at

noon on the 4th of December 1965. The third and final
flight of "Operation Christmas Star" brought the total
cargo weight flown from Middletown to Viet Nam to 15'h
tons. This final load was destined for men of the Seventh
Fleet which was engaged in naval operations in Viet
Nam.
High on the list of items on the flights included
Lebanon bologna, candy, cookies, pretzels, and a variety
of toiletries, socks, polish, and other sundries. Gifts came
from as far away as Allentown-Easton area and Gettysburg. Central Pennsylvanians responded liberally to
the call for gift items, Christmas cards and letters.
On the 22nd of December 1965, the Senate of Pennsylvania honored the 168th Air Transport Group with a
resolution offering "its heartfelt congratulations, good
wishes and gratitude to the members of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard on the magnificent efforts of
its personnel and expressed its commendation to and appreciation of the fine patriotic efforts of the personnel involved in sustaining the American effort in Viet Nam."
Pennsylvania Air National Guard units participating
in the operation in addition to our own 168th ATG were
the 11lth ATG, Willow Grove and the 171st ATW at
Pittsburgh.
As a 168th ATG member reflected, "Spell it spirit the spirit of the people here in Central Pennsylvania.
The gifts COlme in and we put them down over there for
the fighting men ." What a unique way to get the jump on
Santa in Southeast Asia.

Loading cookies on the C121

Harry Raymond delivering the American Legion resolution supporting the fighting forces In Viet Nam to Maj R. Brown and Maj W. Cook prior to their
trip to SEA.

Loading the Christmas gifts. cookies and cards on

the Ct21 No. 173 at Olmsled AFB.

1966

The calendar wasn't the only thing changed on 1 January 1966 ... the 168th Air Transport Groupwas redesignated as the 168th Military Airlift Group with an authorized
strength at 900 members.
Also in January the Pentagon decided that the end of the
bolidays should not mean the end of Air National Guard
airlifts to the war zone in Soutbeast Asia. So each oftbe 25
Air Guard units that participated in "Christmas Star"
were tasked to provide tbree airlift missions each month,
January 1966 through June 1967, to tbe combat zones in
Soutbeast Asia.
During that period, the 168th Military Airlift Group
flew nineteen cargo supply missions to Viet Nam; participated in nineteen aeromedical evacuation missions to
countries including Germany, Spain, Australia, Greenland, Africa, and Japan; flew 54 cargo flights into the European theater; and 82 airlift missions inside the United
States. These missions resulted in the successful movement of more than 1,100 tons of cargo, 2,500 passengers,
and 742 medical patients by our truly global unit.
Despite all of the "real world" missions, some 400 support personnel of the 168th found time to attend a twoweek summer encampment in August at tbe Air Guard
Training Site at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod. This was
the second consecutive year annual field training was
held at Otis AFB because of its abundance of classroom
space and other facilities for specialized training. Again,
Lt. Col. Clarence Withers was the Detachment Commander.

Change of command, Maj Paul assuming CAMS from LTC Monaghan

TSg Hrichak loading the C121

In October 1966 the 168th was cited as the Outstanding

Military Airlift Unit of the 25 airlift Groups in the Air
National Guard. The award, presented by Major General
Winston B. Wilson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau,
was based on operational and training participation, operational readiness, personnel strength levels, and overall
qualifications of all assigned personnel.
Lt. Col. Nicholas Bereschak, Group Commander,
praised the group members "wbo gave so freely of their
time in tbe missions flown during the past year (1966). We
feel tbat tbis is indeed an outstanding military accomplisbment for a reserve organization."
In addition to tbis award, tbe 168th also received an
Operational Readiness Award as well as tbe Military Airlift Command Award for ten years of accident-free flying.
Winning that ten-year safe flying award was indeed an
accomplishment to be proud of as some 5'h million air
miles were flown and over 32,000 flying hours logged.
This enviable record reached back to 1956 and included
F-51, C-46, C-119, and C-121 aircraft.
One more award was earned by the 168th . .. the Tiger
Award was given the unit by the 140th Military Airlift
Squadron for flying material into the war zone, unloading,
and departing in minimal times.
By November 1966, the fate of Olmsted Air Force Base
became clear. The active AF base was slated to be closed
by mid 1969. It was announced that the federal government would give the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 643
acres of land tbat constituted the majority of the south
complex of the base for use as a commercial airport. However, there were 45 acres in the center of the complex
determined to be of a high industrial potential and was to
be sold to rather than given gratis to the state. The Harrisburg Area Industrial Development Corporation purchased that area for $700,000.

LTC Bereschak rece iving ten year accident free flying award
L.R LTC Will men Hepner. LTC Nicholas Barashak.
Mal Robert Eno. 8/ General Prescott

Presentation of the outstanding airlift unit trophy

MICen Wilson. Col Beresch ..:, MI Cen White. Col
Posey

,
The "Tiger Award"
L-R G. Keith, ). Quick, T. Lowe, ). Heinz, R.
Hornerberger. G. Smith. H. Diener. C. Kostival . W.

Herr. R. Rissmiller. R. McCoy

~ ,,',
,,~

.,

"l~,

., ;
,

.-. ,

10920 Aug. 13, 19660Us A.P. Base, Mas.

Anthony Hoffer, Joseph Zankowl ld , Donald Fry. Leo Braun
Data Processing Section 1966

SPRING FROUC - 21 May 1966. IGMR. NCO Open Men. THE

TILLMAN-FISHER ORCHESTRA

20th Anniversary Planning 1966 late 1966

Front CMSgt Phaon (Sam) Wenrich. MSgt Gene Blouch. Mal Nichol .. J.
Bere.chak. CWO, W3 Raymond Miller. Standing SSgt Robert E. Martin,
Maj Clarence L. Withers, Jr.

Ct21at Kwajalgin Photo Dated April 1966- on its way to sea

THE ORIGIN OF CORONET SOLO

The development of the Coronet Solo mission came
about as a result of events which took place in the international arena and changes in the United States defense policy.
The first occurrence that had a bearing was the Cuban
missile crisis in 1962 when the United States was threatened by a build-up of medium range ballistic missiles by
Soviet Russia in its client state of Cuba. The United States
and Soviet Russia along with Cuba came perilously close
to an outbreak of war as the U.S. demanded and was prepared to follow up that demand with force that the missiles be removed.
In preparing for this action, provisions for psychological
warfare were established as a requirement, and responsibility for this capability was delegated to the U.S. Navy.
After the emergency subsided, however, little further
effort was made in regard to developing any capability in
the field of airborne psychological warfare.
The idea of using radio and television broadcasting in
support of military or para-mi litary activity therefore lay
largely dormant until the revolution in the Dominican
Rep ublic. In April 1965, the United States airlifted military forces to that country in an attempt to stabilize conditions on the island and prevent a takeover by Marxistoriented rebels who were attempting to seize control. U.S.
paratroopers and other military forces were operating
alongside Dominican Republic governmental troops in
trying to maintain order, but were frustrated by a rebel
operated radio station which was continually broadcasting to resistance forces and contributing measurably to

the difficulties of U.S. forces in their efforts to pacify the

island.
After the conclusion of this military action, the JOint
Chiefs of Staff UCS) resolved to develop an airborne psychological warfare capability and directed the Air Force to
come up with a program.
Along about this time, the Secretary of Defense set
about realigning and reequipping the strategic airlift
forces which were contained in the Military Air Transport
Service, the gaining command of the 168th Military Airlift
Group. The planning and programming of the new force

1966 - National Guard Citation or Merit

(to be named the Military Airlift Command) would consist

of an all-jet fleet: C-141s just coming off the line, the new
C-5A then in the design stages, and the new C-9 Nightingale, a retrofit of the Douglas DC-9 of commercial fame, all
backed up by the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. All conventional
powered transport aircraft in the active, reserve, and
national guard forces were to be phased out over a three to
five year period.
The 168th Military Airlift Group, because it was located
at Olmsted Air Force Base (which the Department of
Defense ordered closed in November 1964) was one of the
first three Air National Guard airlift units programmed for
inactivation to occur in fiscal year 1967. Other Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve transport units were to be
similarly treated. Therefore, in the beginning of 1965, the
168th was in double trouble.
The first order of business was to secure a home for the
organization, and intense effort was immediately directed
toward securing Olmsted Air Force Base as a commercialcivil airport. The first plan to accomplish this goal was
developed by the Headquarters Pennsylvania Air National Guard in coordination with 168th personnel. This was
presented to the Adjutant General who was also the
Chairman of the Pennsylvania Aeronautics Commission,
the agency which operated five state owned airports.
From there, the plan went to the Governor who gave his
approval for the state to seek ownership of Olmsted Air
Force Base and operate it as a commercial airport.
The initial transfer effort was begun early in 1965 and
involved long and complicated negotiations with several
different departments and agencies of the federal and
state governments, the airlines servicing Harrisburg, the
Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce, and congressional
representatives. Successful conclusion of the campaign
came on July 1, 1967 when Governor Raymond P. Shafer
accepted the deed to the airport from the federal government and Olmsted State Airport was born.
During the intervening period another international
event had a bearing on the mission of the 168th Military
Airlift Group - the entrance of U.S. combat forces into
the Vietnam War.
Congress was never too happy with the Secretary of
Defense's plan to inactivate Air National Guard units.
When the ANG C-121 and C-97 aircraft were called into
service for airlifting supplies to U.S. forces In Southeast
Asia, remedial legislation was soon enacted. Beginning in
fiscal year 1966, Congress mandated in the Appropriation
Act that the Air Force maintain 25 airlift squadrons. This
legislation continued for two more years.
By 1966 the Air Force was making progress in developing its plan for the Coronet Solo psychological warfare
capability. The Air Force operated RC-121 aircraft for use
as early warning and control purposes and the Navymodified C-121 was being used to broadcast to American
forces in Vietnam. Therefore attention was actively given
to the C-121 for use as a psychological warfare airborne
platform.
In 1967 the 168th MAG was very high on the operational
capability list and the National Guard Bureau volunteered this unit for the new Coronet Solo mission. However, the cost of modifying four C-121s to the electronic warfare mission was $8 million, and the approval for this
program change was held in abeyance by the Defense
Department although the concept was widely accepted.
The last episode in this long chain of events took place
in June 1967 at the outbreak of the Israel-Arab War. With
the need for a psychological warfare and intelligence

monitoring capability, the Deputy Secretary of Defense

contacted the Air Force and requested the status of Coronet Solo. The reply was that the program change request
"is on your deSK for approval." It was soon forthcoming,
and in the summer of 1967 the last wheels began to turn.
Approval was given to convert the 168th Military Airlift
Group to the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group
with TAC as the gaining command.
Olmsted Air Force Base had become Olmsted State Airport . . . four C-121s were scheduled for modification to
EC-121 configuration by Lockheed Aircraft Company,
and plans were made for training of ground and aircrew
personnel on the new equipment. The blue and white
Super Constellations became a reality. The first EC-121
was delivered to the 193rd TEW Group in the summer of
1968. A new mission with a capability unlike any other in
the free world finally came to be.

1967
This was to be another year for dramatic change in the
life of the 168th Military Airlift Group. The unit would see
yet another mission change as well as a relocation within
the base complex.
Meanwhile, members of the 168th celebrated twenty
years of service in the Air National Guard by accepting a
"Citation of Merit" from the National Guard Association.
The unit was recognized for "its magnificent airlift support of the U.S. Armed Forces in Southeast Asia and
around the world." Major Richard E. Meyers of Lancaster,
who had flown the most missions to Southeast Asia,
accepted the award in Washington D.C. on 27 February
1967 on behalf of the unit's members. A total of 26 Air
National Guard units were cited for their airlift effortswithout being activated into federal service.
But the Washington visit was not just for celebrating.
Earlier in the year the Defense Department had
announced plans to phase transport units out of the Air
National Guard system. However, two congressional leaders, Representative L. Mendal Rivers, Chairman of the
House Armed Services Committee, and Senator John C.
Stennis called the move to eliminate the transport unit
"ridiculous" and pledged to fight the plan.
Senator Stennis declared, "These (air transport) units
have accomplished 60% as much as they would have if the
units had been called to full-time active duty. Weget more
from the Guard and Reserve dollar than we do from any
other military dollar spent."
The Senator comforted the units by saying he believed
Congress would not agree to the proposed reduction in
Guard and Reserve units. He said, "The only way to maintain the nation's security is through a well-trained
Reserve component."
The threat of a mission phase-out didn't deter some 800
unit members and their spouses from celebrating the
twentieth reunion ofthe 168th in a 13 May 1987 gala at the
Hershey Park Ballroom. The celebration began with the
reading of a proclamation signed by Governor Raymond P.
Shafer designating the day as "Pennsylvania Air National
Guard Day" in honor of the anniversary,
Another significant event in the phase-out of the Olmsted Air Force Base occurred on Sunday, 1 July 1967, when
the ceremonial key to the base as well as jurisdiction of the
airfield was turned over to the Pennsylvania Aeronautics
Commission in a public ceremony. The Federal Aviation

Some of the dignitaries and ranking military personnel present for the transfer of Olmsted Air Force Base to the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.

Armed Forces Day In Reading. PA. Parades and patriotic events were always enjoyed by all personnel.

Award or Pennsylvania Commendation Medal to hircrew Members for their flying achievement in support or SGA.

Administration began operation of the control tower and

other navigation facilities at the newly-named Olmsted
State Airport in keeping with the name of the facility for
the past fifty years. The offiCial title transfer of the premises took place 22 June in Governor Shafer's office.
With regular Air Force activity on the decline, summer
camp gave 168th members the perfect opportunity to
expand into more comfortable office and training facilities. All of the squadrons took annual field training 29 July
through 12 August with the exception of the 168th USAF
Dispensary which took its 19 members to annual training
at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., to assist the
regular Air Force medical personnel in handling incoming casualties from Southeast Asia.
By this time the Group's aircraft inventory included
eight C-121 Super Constellations and one C-54Skymaster.

On 6 September 1967, three Super Connies of the 168th

were placed on a standby alert status for civil disturbance
support. The National Guard Bureau ordered restricted
duty for the C-121s to assure prompt movement of Army
National Guardsmen from training camps if they would be
needed to quell civil disorders. Our three aircraft were on
1"" hours, 2 hours, and 2'h hours alert status.
Despite Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara's
two-year effort to abolish the 168th Military Airlift Group
and other Air Guard transport units in Pennsylvania, New
York, and California, the DOD decided to retain the 168th
but assign it a new mission - communications support.
Written accounts stated the requirements for a communications support unit was readily adaptable to an air
reserve force unit operating the C-121 series aircraft. So on

C-47 and C121C on the F1ishtline at Olmsted AFB

17 September 1967, the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare

Group was extended, reassigned from the Military Airlift
Command to the Tactical Air Command, and was given a
new but mostly classified mission named Coronet Solo.
The new 193rd TEW Group would retain all eight C-121
Super Constellations used by the 168th Military Airlift
Group but over the next two years four of the transports
were to be modified to the Coronet Solo mission configuration.
"Such a change in mission," said an Air Force spokesman, His in accordance with Secretary McNamara's desire
to continue to utilize the trained personnel of reserve
forces airlift units." The manningofthe 193rd TEW Group
was 800 enlisted and commissioned members.
Asked if the change in mission represented a compromise between Secretary McNamara's desire to abolish the
unit and the resistance of Congress to do so, the spokesman said, "We have found another mission for the Air
Guard to operate effectively." The new mission gave
assurances the unit would be maintained at current levels
"at least several years in the future. "

1968
In early 1968, both the first and second commanders of
the original 148th Fighter Squadron made the news. Colonel Richard B. Posey, who was serving as Pennsylvania's
Deputy Adjutant General for Air since 1956, received a
federal promotion to Brigadier General 19 January 1968.
Our second commander, Russell G. Ogan, who was also
a Brigadier General, was named Deputy Director of Personnel Planning for the Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel,
U.S. Air Force. General Ogan was previously vice commander of the 14th Aerospace Force and was stationed in
Colorado.
The Air Guard signed a 50-year lease at a compensation
of$1 .00 for the term.
Within one year of being assigned the Coronet Solo electronic warfare mission, the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group received its first electronically-equipped aircraft designated the EC-121 Super Constellation.
Although the E stood for electronic, the fleet's blue and
white paint scheme was intentional to try to detract aUention to our one-of-a-kind mission as military related.
Meanwhile, full-time air technicians and selected
guard members spent much of 1968 undergoing factory
training by Lockheed Aircraft on the new mission equipment. Air crew members were also trained rapidly to meet
full combat capability.
As the 193rd was in the electronic warfare business, the
168th USAF Dispensary formerly attached to the 168th
Military Ah'lift Group, had been deactivated with its
members becoming part of the 193rd TAC Dispensary.
The dispensary had responsibilities to members of Pennsylvania Air National Guard and was no longer tasked for
aeromedical missions.

1969
Nicholas J. Bereschak, Commander of the 193rd Tactical Electronics Warfare Group since it was extended, was
promoted to the grade of Colonel in March . Colonel
Bereschak had been a member of the Pennsylvania Air
National Guard since 1952.
More than 400 members of the 193rd served their fifteen
days of active duty in August at Olmsted State Airport.

Units represented at the summer encampment included:

193rd Combat Support Squadron
LTC Clarence L. Withers, Jr., Commander
193rd Supply Squadron
LTC Daniel L. Schmehl, Jr., Commander
193rd Consolidated Acft Maint Sq
LTC William H. Paul, Commander
193rd Communications Flight
MAJ Gerald S. Leib, Commander
Other units training at Olmsted but not a component of
the 193rd TEW Group were:
553rd Air Force Band
CWO George J. Davey
211th GEEIA Squadron
LTC Elmer E. Wagner
271st Mobile Communications Sq
LTC Claud Steigerwalt
The 193rd TAC Dispensary was on duty during the
training to provide medical treatment. Major Elizabeth
Herness supervised the dispensary.
During the first three days of the encampment, the units
were given 'an intensive inspection by staff members of
the 9th Air Force from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

1970
On 10 January 1970, the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group signed on its first enlisted female. Millie M.
Clay of Meyerstown, a high school guidance counselor,
was a WAF (Women in the Air Force) from 1952 to 1955
and served as a recruiter in Wilkes-Barre in 1955. Miss
Clay is currently a technical sergeant in the Plans office of
the Special Operations Squadron.
In 1970, the 193rd had two female officers serving as
nurses plus a squadron of flight nurses in prior years. Millie was the first female enlisted in the electronic mission
era.

In May 19700verfifty members of the 193rd TEW Group

participated in Exercise Exotic Dance mat Pope Air Force
Base, North Carolina.
Also in May LTC Ralph E. Boeshore was named commander of the 193rd Combat Support Squadron. LTC Boeshore was previously assigned to the Pennsylvania Air
National Guard, Headquarters, at Indiantown Gap.
On 26 July 1970 a 75-man detachment of guard members, two EC-121 and two support C-121 departed Olmsted State Airport and headed west for Korat Royal Thai
Air Base, Thailand to participate in what would eventually become a six-month "volunteer training exercise."
Before the exercise, named "Commando Buzz," was
completed on 24 December 1970, over 252 officers and airmen had volunteered to serve thirty to sixty-day tours in
support of the mission and the Group never had to be activated.
For excellent performance in Commando Buzz, the
193rd was awarded our first Air Force Outstanding Unit
Award, this one with a "V" device for Valor.
But that wasn't the only award-winning performance
members of the 193rd would put in that year. In August .
1970, as many of the Group's supporting SQuadrons held
summer field training at Olmsted, several guardsmen felt
that free time could be put to productive use by doing
some community service work. With the help of Major
Donald V. Snyder, the Group's Administrative Services
Officer, over 100 winsome children were treated to a pair
of outings at Pinchot State Park in York County.

March 1968 Brigadier General Richard B. Posey racelving stars from Governor Raymond P. Shafer.

By fall of 1970, the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare

Group had its new official emblem. It was designed by Airman First Class Calvin C. Bausman, a civilian art director
for a printing firm. For his efforts, AIC Bausman won a
$25.00 savings bond.

1971
Our community service efforts such as "Operation
Headstart" and hosting several Boy Scout tours of the unit
did not go unnoticed as the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group was named by the National Guard Bureau as
having the best community relations program in 1970. It
marked the first time that recognition was given by the
Department of Defense to a guard or reserve unit for community relations projects.
Major Donald V. Snyder, Community Relations Project
Officer; BIG Richard B. Posey, Deputy Adjutant General
for Air, and MI G Richard L. Snyder, State Adjutant General received the award in Washington from Roger T. Kelley, Assistant Secretary of Defense.
Another honor came "in the mail" as the July 1971 issue
of Air Reservist magazine featured our Chaplain (then
Major) LTC Warren Solberg and two of the Headstart children on the magazine cover and in an article.
In April 1971, the 193rd TEW Group was off and across
the Atlantic to join other Air National Guard units partici-

pating in "Creek Guardlift" operations in Europe. From

April 1971 to March 1972, unit volunteers were based in
Torrejon, Spain, and provided scheduled passenger airlifts for U.S. forces in Europe. Our participation in the
exercise resulted in the award of a second Air Force Outstanding Unit citation.
In the fall of 1971 there was a dramatic change in the
193rd Civil Engineering Flight when part of the unit was
converted into a Red Horse flight and based at Indiantown
Gap Military Reservation. With LTC Clarence L. "Scoop"
Withers as commander, many 193rd TEW Group members transferred to the new unit.
Formally known as the 201st Civil Engineering Flight, it
was to be a highly mobile, rapid repair outfit capable of
moving personnel and heavy earth moving equipment to
any part of the world within 72 hours. Its equipment
inventory included graders, bulldozers, and heavy trucks.
The Red Horse unit concept was to be placed at 29 guard
and reserve locations throughout the United States. Red
Horse is actually an acronym for rapid engineer deployable, heavy operations repair squadrons, engineers.
By August 1971, Air Explorer Post 215 was "going great
guns" with 36 young members from Hershey and Middletown. Their activities with the 193rd included numerous
ground training classes, briefings, and field trips.
Guardsmen contributing their time to the post included
Ronald Camerlo, Robert Johnson, Clarence Bauder, Daniel Berst, Thomas Marsh, Melvin Ruby, Wallace Wiestling, Richard Carr, Allen Ernest, and John Kimmel, a
civilian.

EG12lS during a touch and go maneuver

Gl2le's parked on the mghtline at Olmsted Field

SGT

J. Reichard explains the firing mechanism of the M-16 to A1C Fager and A1C Cooper

TSG Millie Clay - The first female to enlist in 193 TEWGP

Sianding T. Kuhn, T. Dupre, R. Rissmiller, G. Seesen. C. Bauden. Kneeling O. Bashore. R. Jasinski, C. Meyer. C. Williams. C. Mongahan.

It

Maintenance Croup Ihal performed In an oUlslandlng manner to keep ECl21 flying in Thailand R. Hoover, D. Thomas. C. Stoudt, J. Eyer, G. Heblow

I, this thing supposed to be ticking? R. Helms, R. Posey, J. Quick, J. MitcheU

FHghtHne at Middletown , Pennsylvania

-- &I=:
_

':'!i

=Fli t.:~ ......'-

Flightllne at Korat AS Thailand

Present.tion of AFOVA with "V" device to 193 TEWGP Col Beruhalc. end BI G I.G. Brown

1972
Although a scant five months old, the Air National
Guard Rifle Team was in first place in the Central Pennsylvania Rifle League by January 1972 with 21 wins and
two losses.
Members of the team included, from the 193rd TEW
Group: Ernest Brough, Wallace Wieslling, Louis Fox,
Dean Oswald, Donald Keeney, Ronald Keeney.
Coming almost two years after the completion of CommandoBuzz, the 193rd TEW Group was awarded the coveted Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with the combat
"V" Device (for Valor) at ceremonies on 18 March 1972 in
Building 133, Harrisburg International Airport. The
award was presented by Major General J.G. Brown, Director, Air National Guard.

The award was presented as a result of the Group's voluntary active duty from 24 July 1970 through 24 December
1970 at Karat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. The entire
operation was sustained by volunteers from our Group
thereby eliminating a presidential order for the unit to
extended active duty.
Also planned as part of the anniversary celebration was
a public air show at the Harrisburg International Airport,
but those plans were washed away by the summer's flood
waters and the airport clean-up which required much
time and effort by guardsmen. The Silver Air Show was
held in 1973.
MSgt Robert E. Fuster of the 193rd Public Affairs office
and a writer on the staff of the Scope newsletter was
selected as a George Washington Honor Medal winner in
the 1972 Freedom Foundation letter writing contest. Of
the 229 Air Force men and women who won awards in the
annual contest, MSgt Foster was named as a principal winner and honored by the Freedom Foundation at Valley
Forge.

AGNES
It's a long way from the Yucatan Peninsula to Harrisburg, PA, but for Hurricane Agnes ... she didn't waste any
time getting from her Gulf of Mexico birthplace to Harrisburg International Airport.
From Friday, 16 June 1972 to Monday evening, 19 June
1972, Agnes was considered just another tropical depression sailing north through the Atlantic. Reports even said
she lost much of her essential energy when she came
inland on the 19th of June.
But Harrisburgarea residents were getting a little different story. A weather pattern moving east was about to collide with the complex surface low carrying the remains of
Agnes ... in the eastern and central sections ofPennsylvanis,

By 0500, Thursday, 22 June, that tropical depression,

now known as Hurricane Agnes had dropped 12'h inches
of rain over the greater Harrisburg a.rea, causing creeks
and streams to flood their banks thus preventing almost
10% of our Air Guard technician workforce from getting to
work. By 1000 on the 22nd, it looked like a major emergency was developing in central PA and Air Guard units, particularly the 193rd TEW Group, were alerted to begin protectingAir National Guard facilities and equipment in the
lower area of the airport.

The first signs of flooding came in the area where the

aircraft maintenance shops, aircraft storage, Base Operations, Civil Engineering, fire and crash rescue, the C-121
simulator, communications maintenance, and motor
vehicle functions were located. Water in those areas accumulated to depths ofa to 20 inches because the storm sewers were unable to carry away the heavy rainfall. So the
airport flood pumps were turned on, and by 1300 hours on
Thursday 22 June, the water had almost completely receded in those areas. ,By early evening, the water problems at
Olmsted Field appeared to be stabilized.
The Susquehanna River crest was still forecast to reach
22 feet and since the dike which borders the airport along
the river was rated to hold a 36-foot flood crest, the airport
and the Air National Guard complex was thought to be out
of danger of serious flooding. But precautionary actions
were taken by placing equipment and supplies on desk
tops, work benches and counters in the event storm overflow would flood work areas.
But what a difference a few hours made. By 2200 hours
that same Thursday, the National Weather Service Office
issued a statement that asevere record-breaking flood was
in progress on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg.
At this point, since the flooding of the Air Netional
Guard complex was imminent, members of the 193rd
TEW Group, the 271st Mobile Communications Squadron
and the 211th Electronics Installation Squadron were called in to evacuate equipment and supplies from the lower
level. But notifying them was difficult as the telephone

EC12tin the hangar during the flood

service in the Harrisburg International Airport area was

not functioning. Then. once notified. guardsmen had a difficult time traveling to the airport as access roads around
the airport quickly became impassable.
The most immediate concern was to save our Air
National Guard aircraft. By 0500. Friday. 23 June. 2 EC121s and 3 C-121s had been safely flown out of Harrisburg
International Airport to the Air National Guard facility at
the Greater Pittsburgh Airport. The U-3B airplane was later ferried to Capital City Airport which was not in danger
of flooding. However. 3 Connies (one EC-121 and two
C-121s)were unflyable because of extensive maintenance
in progress and could not be evacuated. Of these three,
two remained in the aircraft maintenance hangar. Building #134. and one was towed to the power check pad. considered to be the highest hard surface point on the aircraft
ramp.
Accounting for the remainder of our aircraft inventory,
one EC-121 was undergoing a major inspection in Lake
City. Florida. and the remaining C-121C was on a training
flight at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. That flight was terminated at McGuire AFB. New Jersey and the crew returned
by bus to Middletown and was immediately used to evacuate residents to the North area.
Tons of equipment and supplies still had to be moved to
higher ground as water had reached an average level of18
inches in the Air National Guard areas and was rising at a
rate of six inches per hour by 0730 Friday. Priorities were
placed on removing vehicles. aircraft ground support
equipment and high value support items. Meanwhile an
emergency command post was set up in Base Headquarters [Bldg. #26) which was considered not in danger of
flooding.
Ironically. the water that was flooding the airport by
now was not coming from the river. The dike provided full
protection from the swollen Susquehanna through the
entire flood. Rather. the water flooding the base was coming from the river upstream, flowing through Steelton and
Highspire. then entering the airport through the pedestrian underpass toward the western end of the base (an
access way that connects the south and north section of
the former Air Force Base). Another point where water
gushed into our complex was at the eastern end of the airport through a railroad spur cut into the dike.
Removal of vehicles and equipment continued through
Friday morning until the water level reached 36 to 40 inch
depths. Evacuation efforts were then discontinued.
As many vehicles as possible were removed until 2000
hours Friday when water levels reached depths of 4 to 5
feet in most areas of the lower level of the Air National
Guard complex. By this time increased security was needed to guard the equipment and materials marshalled on
higher areas of the complex.
Saturday and Sunday, 24 and 25 June. were "wait and
see" days with Air National Guard operations limited to
security patrols and surveillance of evacuated equipment.
Temporary emergency power was installed in the Headquarters building and radio communications were maintained through an emergency radio network and our Air
National Guard Command Post continued 24-hour operations. A "no smoking" rule was initiated because tanks of
heating oil, aviation gas and jet fuel were now floating in
the flood water as their tanks were ruptured.
Finally. by Sunday, 25 June. the flood waters began to
recede at Harrisburg International Airport leaving silt. a
thick coating of oil and debris deposited all over the airport.

Curiosity seekers also became a problem. but access to

the complex was well controlled.
By 1600 Monday, 26 June, water levels were low enough
to permit pumping operations in the maintenance hangar
and shop areas. Other flooded buildings. the fire/crash
station and motor pool facilities were also pumped. Air
National Guard personnel also began to clean the Harrisburg International Airport runway and flight line areas.
Heavy equipment was used to remove large pieces of
debris before sweeping could begin.
On Tuesday. 27 June. damage assessments. inventories
and other cleaning operations were underway so requisition actions could begin. As the area dried. dust became a
major problem for the cleanup.
Finally at noon, Wednesday. 28 June. seven days after
the first signs of flooding at the airport. the Airport Manag.
er allowed the 193rd's C-121C staged at Capitol City Airport to fly into Harrisburg International Airport becoming
the first recorded landing after the flood.
Through Saturday. 1 July, clean-up was the name ofthe
game as all flooded interior and exterior areas had to be
washed and sanitized. In many office areas. warped and
broken paneling and wallboard had to be removed. Most
of the aircraft evacuated to Pittsburgh were brought back
to Harrisburg International Airport.
Emergency power was installed in areas of Building 134
and temporary offices were set up in the second floor of
the operations branch which was not flooded. The 24hour command post operation was terminated and all Air

National Guard technicians and military work teams were

returned to normal duty status. However. security oper.tions continued on a 24-hour basis for all Air National
Guard facilities as access to buildings could not be controlled because of water damage to windows and doors.
Return of the EC-121 aircraft was delayed until the electricallighting system at the aircraft security parking compound was restored. In the meantime the mission aircraft
were controlled by 24-hour security at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport.
But the clean-up was far from complete. Rehabilitation
at the Air National Guard complex continued through
September 1972 as five PaANG Civil Engineering flights
performed their annual training at Harrisburg International Airport. In addition to our own 193rd Civil EngineeringFlight. we hosted the 171st. lllth. 201st and 112th
Civil Engineering Flights.
But! This is only half the story. Because our state mission requires the 193rd TEW Group to provide support in
time of domestic trouble. the group was also called upon
to help the civilian population ... at the same time that our
OWn facilities were being inundated.
The first request for domestic help by the 193rd came
around noon on Thursday. 22 June, when a 2'h ton truck
was requested to assist in evacuating families from the
Highspire and Lisa Lake areas. By nightfall. additional
trucks and buses from our unit were in use evacuating
supplies to evacuation centers. Our 193rd vehicles and
personnel were also used to transport families from evacuation shelters to the Penn State Capitol Campus dining
hall where an emergency feeding center had been established.
Additional unit resources were used by the Harrisburg
International Airport management as our emergency radios were used because all telephone service was inoperative.
Eight boxes of payroll records were removed from the
Pennsylvania State Payroll Department building in the
threatened airport complex.

Air Guard security police and augmentees controlled

vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the Vine St. bridge in
Middletown over the first dreadful flood weekend.
Requests for help poured in as the flood waters rose
higher. Four trucks and two drivers were dispatched to
the former Pantry Pride supermarket in the Olmsted Plaza. The store was threatened by the flood. and the food
was offered for use in various refuge centers. Twelve
truckloads of food were moved to higher ground and the
evacuation centers.

Throughout the weekend. our personnel continued

security operations at the Harrisburg International Airport. Also. teams from the 271st Mobile Communications
Squadron at the Harrisburg International Airport as well
as the 112th Tactical Control Flight at University Park
were dispatched to the Wilkes Barre area to establish a 24hour communication station in support of Pennsylvania
Army National Guard operations.
By Monday. 26 june 1972. Air National Guard domestic
support was stabilized and newly instituted emergency
support operations centered on providing assistance for
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for restoration of commercial airport operations.

The support was primarily directed toward providing

heavy equipment such as front end loaders. forklifts.
cranes. sweepers and dump trucks plus operators to
remove debris from the airport runway. taxiways and
parking ramps. Also a C-121C aircraft was dispatched to
Ohio to pick up a transformer for the Harrisburg International Airport control tower. The tower transformer was

The 201st Civil Engineering Flight also used their "Red

Horse" process in the Wilkes-Barre area during the Agnes
clean-up operations. On 3 july 1972. an element of 10
members and four tractor-trailers loaded with dozers. a
loader and grader plus a truck left their new home at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation headed for the Wyoming Valley land fill area. From 4 july 10 11 july. Ihe 201s1
civil engineers battled heavy rains and muddy conditions
10 process a daily average of 22.000 Ions of flood refuse and
debris. For Ihe nexllhree days. 201s1 equipmenl and personnel were used 10 clear roads and parking loIs as well as
demolish and clear buildings damaged beyond repair by
the flood waters. By the eveningof13 july. all201s1 equipmenl and personnel were back home and supporl action
was terminated.
From 22 june Ihrough 15 july a total of 1.681 training
mandays were used by airmen and officers of the 193rd
TEW Group. The 1121h Tactical Control Squadron used 36
Iraining days; Ihe 271s1 Mobile Communications Squadron. 312 days; the 21lth Electronics Installation Squadron.
200 days; and the 201st Civil Engineering Squadron utilized 166 training days for flood related support. Coordinating the entire Air National Guard support was the job
of our State Headquarters which spent 26 mandays on the
effort.
The actions of the PA Air National Guard. particularly
the units of the 193rd and our tenant units. in support of
the Hurricane Agnes Flood emergency showed that the
units have the capability to respond to domestic emergen

des.

damaged by the flood and a replacement was needed to

return the tower to operational status.

Looking west toward air terminal and water tower

Aircraft towing tug that was in hangar during the flood

More complications arose as Guard air crews, unable to

1973
It was 1969 when the Defense Department first agreed to
the admission of women in the Air Guard, but by 1973
there were only four enlisted women and no female officers. The members were SSgt Millie M. Clay, SSgt Mary K.
Crow, Sgt Joyce M. Faler, and Sgt Kathy L. Wrzesniewski.
By June 1974 there would be thirteen female members.
Another enlistment "first" occurred in the 193rd in
1973 as a brother and sister both joined the unit. Thomas
M. Gerber and Eileen Gerber of York were preparing for
basic training in the spring. Tom was planning a guard
career as a pilot and Eileen as a radiological technician in
the medical section here.
The finale of the Group's 25th Anniversary came about
on Saturday, 28 April 1973 as nearly 90,000 people attended the "Silver Air Show" at Harrisburg International Airport. The weather put a slight damper on the show as aerial activity was seriously curtailed by typical April wind ,
clouds, and showers. The show was already postponed in
1972 because of the flood.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were able to perform
only their "flat show" at a lower than usual altitude, and
many planes from around the nation scheduled for static
displays were unable to fly in because of the stormy

put in their required monthly flying time. would lose their

ratings. Deterioration of aircraft was yet another consideration as they sat idle on their apron.
However, on 7 January 1974, the Defense Department
lifted its 16-day old ban on training flights after receiving
a 2 percent increase in fuel allotments for the first three
months of 1974.
Ironically, newspaper reports indicated that civilian
airlines did not use any of the 1.5 million barrels of military fuel the Defense Department allotted them for the
holiday season.
"Mr. Air National Guard," CMSgt John F. Weiger, was
honored at a retirement luncheon in February 1974 for
thirty years of active and Air National Guard service.
Chief Weiger was the "base command sergeant major" of
the 193rd TEW Group as well as personnel superintendent.
By April 1974. two tenant units at Harrisburg International Airport were completely moved from their
cramped quarters in Middletown to Area 2 at Fort indiantown Gap. The 211th Electronics Installations Squadron
and the 271st Mobile Communications Squadron joined
the 201st Civil Engineering " Red Horse" Flight in Area 2.
Referred to as GSUs, Geographically Separated Units,
these units continue to receive supply, comptroller, personnel. and medical support from the 193rd.
For the second consecutive year MSgt Robert E. Foster
ofthe 193rd Public Information Office captured a prize in

w ea ther.

the Freedoms Foundation Program. Sergeant Fqster won

Honored guest at the show was Konrad W. Troutman of

Oberlin. PA. a member of the original 148th Fighter
Squadron in Reading. He was the only Pennsylvania Air
National Guard member held as a prisoner of war during
the Vietnam War. Flying an F-I05, Major Trautman was
shot down on 5 October 1967 and was released just a few
weeks prior to the air show after living5'!, years in captivity.

a cash prize and the George Washington Medal for a poem

dealing with the value of life.
This year saw an expansion of benefits for guard members as Servicemen's Group Life Insurance coverage on a
full-time basis became a reality and spouses of members
were permitted to use base exchanges.
The 193rd Social Actions Office was also established in
June 1974. The staff included Major Wilson Foust, Jr., lLt
Lee Snyder and AlC Shirley Travis. The office's agenda
featured training in drug control, equal opportunity and
treatment, plus race relations.
A hairy social issue ofthe times was the wearing of wigs
by guardsmen. A Scope issue reported that the Air Force
"bowed to pressure from a number of sources" and authorized guardsmen and reservists to wear wigs during drill
periods and when on active duty for training for thirty
days or less.
Members of the 193rd TEW Group were on the move in
1974. In June, two plane loads of guardsmen took up temporary residence at Howard Air Force Base in Panama to
train and perform in an "out-of-the-area" environment.
The deployment also gave U.S. military commands in the
Canal Zone an opportunity to learn of the mission capabilities of the 193rd.
In the f8llof1974 most area newspapers were chock-full
of feature stories about the 193rd TEW Group's participation in the NATO Exercise Reforger VI, 19 September to 20
October 1974 in Southern Germany. Over 200 TEW Group
members made up the only national guard unit in the
nation to participate in this European exercise.
Being the only Guard unit with electronic warfare capabilities, our two EC-121 Constellations flew daily missions. The deployment was carried in three phases, with
air crews, maintenance technicians, supply and administrative support specialists being on station at Ramstein Air
Base from ten to seventeen days.

1974
The energy crisis and increased fuel prices had a dramatic effect on the 193rd TEW Group. The January 1974
Scope was cautioning members that "If (gasoline) rationing becomes a reality, members of the Air Guard will not
be immune from the controls ... commuting to duty will
have to come out of your allotment of gasoline for that particular month. II

Gasoline rationing never materialized; however, a 22

December 1973 Defense Department directive grounded
all National Guard flying - their fuel for training flight.
reallocated as a reserve for commercial airlines.
Major General Harry J. Mier. Jr .. the State Adjutant General criticized the grounding in a letter to U.S. Senator
Hugh Scott, "The capability of the National Guard has
been completely paralyzed by its inability to respond to
and meet with worldwide situations as it has most capably
and successfully done in the past."
General Mier also claimed that while the Defense
Department said the Guard was a vital part of the overall
U.S. defense posture, the decision to ground National
Guard aircraft seemed to indicate otherwise. Active duty
training flights were reduced by only 30% while the
Guard and Reserve were completely grounded.

1975
Guard members who normally used the west access
road to the airport were in for some temporary inconve
niences this spring as construction of the fou rlane can
nectar from Route 283 and the airport began at the termi
nal end.
The 193rd TEW Group NCO (Non.Commissioned Offi.
cer) Council was introduced in April. Made up of repre
sentatives from each unit on the base, the council's func
tion is to hear and act on suggestions as to how the Guard
can be improved for each member.
The mighty quill of MSgt Robert E. Foster brought him
another Freedom's Foundation Award for the third can
secutive year. Sergeant Foster won a George Washington
Award for his writing entitled "The Advance of Human
Dignity."
This was another year of active participation in a variety
of NATO and Defense Department exercises. Elements of
the 193rd TEW Group were deployed to the southwestern
United States for Gallant Shield 1975 in April, to Germany
for another NATO Reforger exercise in the fall, and to Nel
lis Air Force Base, Nevada, for Red Flag I in December.
Over 500 members of the 193rd including air crews,
maintenance personnel, supply and administrative per
sonnel were on home station active duty in June for the
U.S. Atlantic Command's Joint Solid Shield 75 exercise.
Daily sorties by EC121 crews were flown to the Carolina
coasts. This exercise brought together all hranches of the
U.S. Armed Forces for command/ control exercises.
The opportunities memhers have to participate in these
exotic exercises is no doubt one reason the 1975 reenlist
ment rate of the 193rd was impressive. From January to
November 1975, 90.5% of those eligible for reenlistment
did so.

1976
A glance at the 1976 exercise schedule is all one needs
to realize just how impertant the 193rd TEW Group's mis
sian really is. There were nine scheduled exercises
planned for literally all over the world. From Nevada for
Red Flag II and California for Bold Eagle 76 to Germany for
another Reforger and Norway for a NATO exercise. The
193rd has certainly earned its growing reputation in the
worldwide deployment business.
Col N.J. Bereschak, 193rd TEW Group Commander,
received commendations from the U.S. Readiness Com
mand and the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania lauding
the Group for its participation in Bold Eagle 76. Major General C.M. Hall, Deputy Exercise Director, said, "The professional performance by the 193rd TEW Group and their
dedication contributed greatly to the success of Bold Eagle
76."

In an era of supposedly "lack of interest" in the military

environment, the 193rd was enjoying a comfortable 98.6%
Group strength level. The reenlistment rate for the first
six months of 1976 was 74%.
The nation's bicentennial was celebrated in a variety of
ways by the 193rd TEW Group. Guardsmen from the unit
partiCipated in many community events. CMSgt Charles
Kline and a fire/ crash rescue detachment was on hand
with equipment to handle the arrival and protection of
President Ford's helicopter at Valley Forge on 4 July 1976.

Perhaps the greatest bicentennial honor was the feature

article about the 193rd TEW Group that appeared in the
July 1976issue of Airman Magazine. Entitled "Roots in the
Revolution" the article lauded the work being accom
plished in deployed environments the world over. The Air
Guardsmen pictured in the article were MSgt John Hoffman, SSgt Larry Henderson, and A1C Keith Convery . .
The Airman staff writer and photographer met up with
the 193rd in October 1975 at Ramstein Air Base during
Reforger. They came to Middletown early in 1976 to final
ize the story for the bicentennial issue.
As the 193rd TEW Group continued to expand in memo
bership as well as in mission scope, Group summer
encampments became an item of history. As maintenance
and other support personnel accompanied aircrews on
deployments throughout the year, other units performed
annual training on their own. In the fall, the Fire/ Crash
Rescue Department and Chief Charles Kline spent two
weeks at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, for live
fire and academic training.
By the autumn of 1976 most bicentennial celebrations
were wrapping up, but members of the 193rd TEW Group
were preparing to unwrap big 30th anniversary plans.
It was thirty years ago tbat provisions were made to
establish tha 148th Fighter Squadron in Reading.

1977
On 27 February 1947, the 148th, predecessor of the
193rd TEW Group, received its federal recognition inspection. This year, those three decades of Air National Guard
service to the commonwealth and our nation was to be
honored.
An anniversary social was held 4 June 1977 at the Penn
Harris Motor Inn with more than 350 unit members and
guests. They heard congratulatory messages from Lieu
tenant General James Hartinger, Commander 9th Air
Force and Major General Nicholas P. Kafkalas, Pennsylva.
nia Adjutant General.
The public anniversary celebration was 20 July 1977
when the Air National Guard again hosted an air show at
Harrisburg International Airport. The Air Force Thunder
birds were the feature attraction. Nearly 35,000 spectators
attended. Ironically the Thunderbirds were also celebrating a milestone - their 25th show appearance this year.
To be specific, ours was their 2,127th demonstration.
Even though 1977 was a time for celebrating our heritage, it was a yaar of more drastic change. On 1 April 1977
the unit designation was changed from the 193rd Tactical
Electronic Warfare Group to the 1st Special Operations
Group. Another change was our reassignment to new
active Air Force Advisory Wing - the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Perhaps the most drastic change was the retirement of
the "grand old ladies" affectionately known as Connies.
After flying the EC-121 Super Constellations for sixteen
years, the 1st Special Operations Group began an aircraft
conversion to the C-130 "Hercules" cargo airplane.
The conversion was a gradual one with the first "Here"
(Aircraft #9816) transferred 5 Aug 1977 while the last EC
121 (#54164) did not depart until 14 May 1979 for the air
craft storage site at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizo
na. The Hercules is the seventh different mission aircraft
flown by the unit since 1946.
Although the EC121 aircraft which flew over sixty
electronic warfare missions was phased out of the Air

Getting ready to load , A. Ernst, O. Welker, J. Darrington

Let', have the load - B. Keefer, S. Clark, L. Fox, A. Ernst

It's Old Maid - A. Ernst, W. Phile, (other 2 unknown)

Taking it easy at Andoya - F. Oegarcia, C. McGraw

Touring the great village of Andoya J. Bankes, C. Horner, L. Searles, W.

Bixby, M. Roth, T. Mills
15 Year Air Technician Award
(1) F. Reider, R. Brown, B. Bergst, N. Bereschak, ,. Ulrich (2),. Meridionale, O. Witmer, L. Beissel, J. Slote. R. Ulrich, C. Morgan (3) R.
Stoudt, (next two unknown), C. Zellers, N. McCook, T. Crouse, R.
Johnson, T. Lowe, C. Crawford

EC130E Rivel Rider

Force system, the unit was to continue the same mission

on board the more modern C-130 platform.
One might say the unit had a real romance with the
"Connies" because she never let us down on a single daily
sortie for six months in the torrid heat of Karat Air Base.
For that Commando Buzz, she earned for us an Air Force
Outstanding Unit Award with V Device.
The following year, she did a glorious job at Torrejon,
Spain while participating in Creek Guardlift - again
another Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
But we really put the 01' girl to her test on the '74, '75 and
'76 Reforger exercises. And she performed magnificently
on these NATO maneuvers - to include sorties from 3
A.M. to well after dark. And we can't forget her performances in the Las Vegas desert and the many Red Flag
exercises.
The "Connies" from Harrisburg have been seen at air
bases all over the world, Central and South America,
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, Australia, Southeast Asia, Canada, and almost every state in the nation and
its territories.
Virtually everybody in the Group will be involved in
the conversion to the C-130. For the maintenance squadron, the C-130 turbo-prop engine in place of the reciprocating type presented a training challenge. The propeller
shop had to transition to a completely new system.
Even the fuel used by the C-130s was different. So while
both models were in use, both types of fuel had to be
stored. The warehouses were bulging with C-130 parts,
but we also had to keep C-121 parts available until the last
connie left.
The fire and crash rescue people had to learn new major
access areas, emergency shutdowns, and entrances and
exits. This retraining bad to be learned before the C-130
was flown.
All of the pilots and navigators had to undergo many
months of schooling and training because of the equipment differences.
The final flight of the unit's last C-121 came 9 November
1977 as "Connie" #54-180 left Middletown to join nearly
5,000 abandoned aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force
Base.
There was more than just new aircraft in the unit's
future. Late in the year rumors of new Air National Guard
facilities at Harrisburg International Airport were finally
confirmed. Our organization had just been authorized to
develop a plan for a group of new buildings in the area
between the motor vehicle and the secure aircraft parking
compound.

What, 30 years already???

Col Bereschak receiving the C130

193rd TEWGP Advisor Unit at Hurlburt Field

1978

LTC Eno and Col Bereschak

Transition continued into January 1978 as we received

the last two C-130s, one from Lake City, Florida and the
other from Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Our
total inventory of C-130s is eight with all eight C-121s out
of our hands and into retirement.
Ofthe eight, four C-130s were undergoing EC (Electronic Combat) configuration by Lockheed Aircraft at Ontario,
California.
In May 1978, the 193rd TEW Group received our third
U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in eight years.
This award was earned by our participating in nine Joint
Chiefs of Staff exercises from 1 December 1975 to September 1976.
In addition to a busy schedule of exercises planned for
the 193rd, the 193rd Communications Flight completed
their 1978 annual training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona 1-15 April. To the other extreme, the 193rd Civil
Engineering Flight, spent its annual training at Gabina Air
Force Station, Alaska, which is really a suburb of the Arctic Circle.
Members of the fire and crash rescue department spent
their summer encampment at Collins Air Force Station,
Michigan, while the Food Services Section was at Gulfport, Mississippi for their encampment. The Combat Support Squadron spent their summer encampment at Hurlburt Field and integrated into the 1st Special Operation
Wing's operation. Members of the 193rd TAC Clinic performed two weeks training at the Shaw Hospital, Shaw Air
Force Base, South Carolina.
Meanwhile, structural and mechanical problems on the
C-130s required maintenance crews to work at a fever
pitch to keep the aircraft flying. Despite the excellent

1977
L to R TSg Charley Q'Reily, Cpt Don Crossman. LTC Chester
Mongahan. SMS Thomas Lowe. TSG Vaughn Schwalm

The Zappers!

In December 1977, Airman Linda J. Hall of the Special

Operations Squadron became the first female in the Air
National Guard to serve as an aircrew radio operator.
Also in December - another name change. The unit
designation 1st Special Operations Group that we
received just nine months ago was changed back to the
193rd Tactical Electronics Warfare Group. Our mission
remained unchanged, and we were still attached to the 1st
Special Operation Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

work of the maintenance squadron. the initial condition of

the C-130s resulted in a 75% sortie ratio for a short period
oftime. However. as the aircraft were going through modification stages. they were equipped with the latest navigational systems available.
Testing of the first modified EC-130 (Electronic Combat) occurred late in 1978 in Ontario. California. with a
delivery date planned for early in 1979.
The 193rd enlisted barracks across from Headquarters
was closed for massive interior and exterior renovations
slated to begin in December 1978. Meanwhile. a groundbreaking ceremony was held in December for the Aircraft
Corrosion Control Hangar. the first of many new buildings
on the drawing boards for the 193rd. It was to be built at
the eastern end of the airport just off the secure aircraft
parking area on a 36.62 acre parcel dedicated to Air
National Guard development.
This was the roster of key officer personnel of the 193rd
TEW Group at the end of 1976:
Group Commander
Col Nicholas J. Bereschak
LTC Stewart W.
Executive Officer
Timmerman
Deputy Commander of
LTC Robert E. Harris
Operations
Deputy Commander of
LTC Donald V. Snyder
Resources
Deputy Commander of
LTC Neil B. Bentz
Maintenance

Commander
Unit
193rd Tactical Electronic
Warfare Sq
LTC Adolph P. Hearon
193rd Consolidated Aircraft LTC Neil B. Bentz
Maintenance Squadron
193rd Combat Support
MAJ Jay H. Uhler
Squadron
MAJ Lawrence Altaker
193rd TAC Clinic
193rd Civil Engineering
LTC John H. Griffith
Flight
193rd Communications
CPT Walter Benson
Flight
193rd Weapons System
CPT Jan C. Hoffmaster
Security
Flight
MAJ Jere W. Fridy
553rd Air Force Band
Chief of
CPT Robert E. Martin
Administrative/ Base
Services
LTC Jack D. Quick
Chief of Command Post
LTC Stanley J. Schill
Chief of Intelligence
CPT Ernest W. Brough
Chief of Personnel
LTC David P. Witmer
Chief of Plans
LTC Robert W. Eno. Jr.
Chief of Safety
MAJ Walter R. Ernst
Chief of Standardization/
Evaluation
Donald E. McAuliffe
Comptroller
Darrell Westby
Air Force Advisor

First female air crew member on EC130E aircraft In PaANG Linda Halt

Barracks Bldg. 96

Comm. Flight at Williams AFB AZ

1979
Change was apparent in many areas of the 193rd TEW
Group. The command structure had just been changed
from two deputy commanders (one for operations in
charge of all flying matter and the other for resources
responsible for managing money and materials) to a trideputy structure. The third member was the maintenance
deputy to control aU aircraft maintenance.
Two spring changes at the Department of Military
Affairs at Fort Indiantown Gap affected the 193rd. Major
General Richard M. Scott, a Lancaster, PA native was
named Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Although he
was a West Point graduate, General Scott served a total of
2B years of active military service retiring in 1970 as an Air
Force brigadier general.
LTC Donald V. Snyder, Deputy Commander of
Resources for the 193rd TEW Group, was appointed Air
Administration Officer by Brigadier General Frank H.
Smoker, Deputy Adjutant General for Air. LTC Snyder
was reassigned to Fort Indiantown Gap.
Meanwhile, the 193rd TAC Clinic's senior nurse, LTC
May Bauemel, retired after serving 22 years of active and
guard service.

Excitement was heavy here on 16 March as the first EC130 model aircraft arrived at Harrisburglnternational Airport fresh from mission modification by Lockheed in California.
But . .. just twelve days later that excitement turned to
anxiety as the worst accident in a U.S. nuclear power plant
occurred within eyesight of Herk's parking spot.
The next three months were very hectic not only
because of our involvement with Three Mile Island, but
also the C-121/ C-130 conversion was to be completed.

Headquarters Bldg. 28

Hangar Bldg. 134

Lockheed 1 s four generations of four-engin e al rc ra

17 Apr 78 Harrisburg lAP Pa

. C-121
"Super Connie"

TMI

The four giant cooling towers at the nearby Three Mile

Island Nuclear Generating Facility were scarcely noticed
anymore. After all, since 1974 they have been part of the
landscape to guardsmen driving to drill ... walking
around the complex . . . or flying in and out of the airport.
Bu t a shadow of doubt covered the nuclear generation of
power as an energy source when the worst accident in a
nuclear power plant to date occurred within sight of our
Group complex at Three Mile Island.
By virtue of our National Guard dual mission, our proximity to the site, available equipment, facilities and manpower, the 193rd played an integral part in supporting
those who responded to the TMI emergency.
At 4:00 AM on Wednesday, 28 March 1979, a combination of human errors and several mechanical problems at
TMI triggered what was known as the worst accident in a
U.S. nuclear power plant. Apparently pellets of enriched
uranium fuel overheated and melted through the tubes
that contained them. This led to the unnoticed escape of
an unmeasured amouni of radioactive vapor into the
atmosphere for three hours.
Pennsylvania officials were notified of the problem at
7:00 AM; the public received the first news report at 8:00
AM; and at 11 :30 AM the official state press briefing
reported that everything was under control and that no
danger to public health and safety existed .

C-130
"Hercules"

C-141
"Star11 fter"

C- 5
"Gal !tx),

As events at TMI unfolded that Wednesday, the extent

of the "incident" became more involved. The first request
for service from the 193rd was for hourly radiation readings at Harrisburg International Airport to be performed
by the Disaster Preparedness Team. As a preventive measure, unit personnel remained indoors as much as possible and Friday's flying schedule was cancelled with the
exception of one departure.
Also on Friday, President Jimmy Carter sent his personal representative, Harold R. Denton, Director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to the reactor site. Our 193rd
Motor Pool provided transportation for the NRC with
MSgt Irvin W. Peters and MSgt Dennis L. Ebersole serving
as personal drivers.
By Saturday, 31 March, Group Commander, Col. N.J.
Bereschak authorized an around-the-clock operation. A
variety of material, equipment, and passengers began
arriving at Harrisburg International Airport to solve the
mysteries ofthe TMi incident. Flight line personnel,loadmasters and security policemen were kept busy at the Air
National Guard complex.
Three C-123s laden with 18,000 pounds of lead bricks
arrived. They were unloaded and trucked to TMI to be
used \0 build radiation shielding.
A USAF C-SA delivered weather equipment used to
feed temperature. atmospheric pressure, and wind speed
readings into a computer in California which enabled the
NRC to calculate the characteristics of radioactivity patterns.
The day was finally over after flight line personnel and

loadmasters helped to unload two C-141s carrying a total

of 83 ,000 pounds of lead bricks.
On Sunday, I April, President Jimmy Carter and his
wife Rosalynn arrived at Harrisburg International Airport, via the Presidential helicopter, to get a first-hand
look at the situation. They were taken to a special briefing
room set-up on the second floor of the 193rd TEW Group
headquarters building.
Governor Thornburgh's office requested the 193rd
make office space available to Metropolitan Edison, General Public Utility, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Our second floor training area at the east end of
building #26 became the Command Post for the NRC and
many other industry nuclear experts as they brainstormed ideas for cooling the nuclear reactor to avert a
"meltdown."

Because of the Presidential visit and increased use of

building #26, additional security police were called in to
secure Air National Guard property and to prevent unauthorized entry into the brainstorming areas. Our Air
National Guard switchboard was opened for 24-hour service and a 24-hour a day CQ was established in the commander's office.
Meanwhile, load masters were kept busy off-loading
potassium iodide and more lead bricks that arrived on a
C-130, a C-14I, and.a DC-6. A C-5A also delivered a large
crate containing Robby Robot which was used to perform
tests in areas of high radiation.
On Monday, 2 April, activity in building#26 heightened
as more nuclear experts arrived and additional telephones were installed to accommodate the more than 75
people working in the "Think Tank."
On Tuesday, 3 April, and for the rest of that week, the
Disaster Preparedness Officer-In-Charge briefed Air

National Guard officials concerning equipment and personnel availability, radiation levels and other subject matter. No significant or unusual levels of radiation were
detected during this time.
When the news media discovered the "Think Tank" in
building #26, tightened security measures were implemented.
Activity in the headquarters building continued at a
high level through 13 April, but tapered off and continued
. downward to approximately ten o[ficials from 18 to 30
April.
Planes loaded with chemicals, leaded materials and
other equipment arrived daily through 19 April and 193rd
loadmasters and flight line personnel were always on
hand to assist with off-loading.
During this period several C-130 flights were flown by
the 193 SOG in support of the NRC.
The unit transported radioactive samples taken from
the Unit #2 to testing laboratories around the country.
Although a general mobilization of the Group was not
required, requests for assistance occurred mainly in the
areas of unloading aircraft, providing transportation
equipment, security, expanded communications and
especially secure office space. All of the requests made of
the 193rd TEW Group were handled satisfactorily which
resulted in a flood of thank you letters from every governmental agency and private sector firm involved in the
incident.
It was more than a month after that fateful morning of 28
March 1979 until everything at the 193rd settled back into
routine. Technicians and guardsmen who contributed
much time and effort into helping to avert a disaster finally had a chance to reflect upon what could have happened
at TMI.

Aerial view of Three Mile bland Nuclear Power Plants

On 2 April the next to last EC-121 departed Harrisburg

International Airport bound for Lackland Air Force Base,
Texas, and permanent static display. The second missionmodified EC-130 arrived here from California on 9 May
and five days later the final "Connie" (#54164) left here for
her Arizona retirement.

Also on 9 May, construction of the $1,590,000 corrosion

control/fuel cell repair hangar began. Meanwhile the barracks remodeling project ran out of supplies right along
with money for manhours in the middle of 1979.
Later in May, the 193rd TEW Group was cited as the
only Air National Guard flying unit to receive the prestigious FlyingSafety Trophy for 1978 awarded by the Tactical Air Command. This was the second consecutive year
for winning the award.
The Connie was not the only unit representative heading to the sunny southwest. Thirty members of the 193rd
Communications Flight spent two weeks in May at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, working with the regular
Air Force communications people. Along with the daily
work schedules, the 193rd members constructed and
installed an antenna.
From 9 to 23 June, members of the fire and crash rescue
department provided support for summer training activities for guard units at Alpina, Michigan.
The eleventh anniversary of the first female to be enlisted in the Air National Guard was marked on 1 July. There
were 94 women serving in the TEW Group, 10% of our
assigned strength of 932 enlisted and officer personnel.
One of those 94, TSgt Loretta Chubb, became the first
female first sergeant in the Group and in the state of Penn-

sylvania. TSgt Chubb replaced TSgt William Matten as

first sergeant of the 193rd Combat Support Squadron.
Community involvement was the theme 24 to 30 June as
Group members assisted WITF, Channel 33, public television in Hershey with its annual auction during their offduty time.
Two long-time unit members retired in the autumn.
CMSgt Francis H. Shipe, aircraft maintenance supervisor,
retired after serving 36 years with the Air Force and Air
Guard. MSgt Charles Hughes of the transportation section,
retired after 30 years of service.
The most notable retirement occurred on 21 November
1979 when our Group Commander, Colonel Nicholas J.
Bereschak retired after more than 36 years of combined
service.

Succeeding Col Bereschak as Group Commander was

LTC Robert E. Harris, Deputy Commander of Operations.
LTC Harris joined the 193rd as a pilot in 1962 and has
flown the C-121 to almost every continent in the world. He
was also Chief of Safety.
There was one more "over 30 years" retirement in 1979.
Chief Warrant Officer Robert F. Ruth retired after years of
total service thus ending an era of Chief Warrant Officers
in the 193rd TEW Group.
On 20 December, Major General Richard M. Scott, State
Adjutant General dedicated the new Corrosion Control
and Fuel Cell Repair Hangar. Built to C-130 specifications,
the building was to be used by the Aerospace Systems Section of CAM Squadron's Field Maintenance Branch.

Retirement of Stony Wahl, and the Engine

Shop and Propeller Shop members

The retirement of Col Bereschak with

presentation by Maj R. Martin

TSG Loretta Chubb, first female First Sergeant of a 193rd TEW Group unit.
the 193rd Combat Support SQuadron.

1980
Several personnel changes highlighted activity in the
first quarter of 1980. On 1 ,anuarr 1980, S~Sgt William
Kephart was appointed Semor Enhsted AdvIsor, Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Formerly with the 193rd Weapons Systems Security Flight, SMSgt Kephart was responsible for keeping the State Adjutant General, Deputy
Adjutant General for Air, and commanders advised of specific problems, concerns, morale, and attitudes of the
enlisted force .
LTC David P. Witmer was named Deputy Commander
of Operations replacing LTC Robert E. Harris who
assumed command of the 193rd TEW Group. LTC Witmer
served as the Group Plans Officer since 1975. Major Joseph
E. Prieskorn followed LTC Witmer as Chief of Plans.
LTC Daniel Schmehl, Jr., Chief of Supply retired 15
March from the Air National Guard after more than thirty
years ofservice. Captain Gerald J. Julian was named Chief
of Supply on 1 April 1980.
MSgt Richard "Howdy" Palsgrove retired as procurement officer on 9 May with 36 years of service.
Also in May, LTC Robert E. Harris, 193rd TEW Group
Commander, was promoted to the rank of Colonel after
serving fifteen years with the 193rd. A rated command
pilot, Col Harris had logged over 5,000 flying hours.
The enlisted barracks across the street from the headquarters building was sufficiently completed foroccupancy by the June UTA. After more than a year of living in
contract quarters, the guardsmen "came home" to stay.
By mid-1980, the assigned strength of the 193rd TEW
Group totaled 1,178 members - 825 enlisted, 228 fulltime technicians, and 125 officers.
The phase-out of the traditional blue and white name
tapes and stripes worn on fatigues wao to be 1 July. The
new subdued green and dark blue name tapes and stripes

were to be worn on all fatigues. The subdued program was

not completely implemented until April 1984.
This was a summer dedicated to community service as
many members contributed their time to help in projects
as the annual WITF public television auction, the Reading
Air Show, Pennsylvania Easter Seal Society's annual fishing trip to Camp Harmony Hall, "Spirit of the '80s"10 kilometer base run, and a local fishing derby contest at MIddletown's Hoffer Park.
From May to June, over sixty 193rd TEW Group ~em
bers assisted in the historic Cuban Refugee Operahon as
thousands of the refugees landed at Harrisburg International Airportto be transported toa camp area at Fort Indiantown Gap. Our unit was responsible for establishing
and operating the airlift operations center often up to 24
hours a day.
The efforts of our members brought praise from Brigadier General Grail L. Brookside, U.S. Army, task force
commander as well as Brigadier General Frank H. Smoker.
In August, Major John S. Jasinski assumed his new
duties as Commander, 193rd CAM Squadron. He was Staff
Maintenance Officer prior to his promotion. Lt Col Neil B.
Bentz continued his duties as Deputy Commander for
Maintenance.

Lt Col Stewart Timmerman, Group Executive Officer,

was promoted to Colonel and assumed new duties as logistics officer at Fort Indiantown Gap in October.
On 4 October, SRA Kim Higgins became the first female
firefighter augmentee in the 193rd. SRA Hi~ins parti~i
pated in a pit fire drill inaugurating her mto the fue
department.
The autumn of 1980 brought about a unit name change.
As of 6 October, the name Tactical Electronic Warfare
Group was no more. Our unit was rena~ed the 193rd. EI~c
tronic Combat Group with our electromc warfare mlSSlQn
remaining unchanged.

Pennsylvania Eester S881 Society', Annual Fishing Trip to Camp Harmony Hall

IT WAS ONCE RUMORED THAT THIS

GUARD UNIT RECE IVED ITS
COMPUTER AFTER CMSGT JOHN
F. WEIGER RETIRED.

"WE HAD TO GET ONE. OUR

MEMORY BANK LEIT US."

NO~, THAT MEMORY BANK THAT WE

LEARNED TO LOVE, ADMIRE AND
RESPECT
HAS PASSED FROM AMONG US.
JOHN FRANKLIN WEIGER RETIRED
FROM THE 193RD SIX YEARS AGO
AFTER SERVING MOST OF HIS ADULT
LIFE WITH THE UNIT AS AN AIR
GUARDSMAN AND AIR TECHNICIAN.
HIS INFLUENCE ON THE GROWTH
OF THIS UNIT IS SO FINELY
INTERWOVEN INTO ITS FIBRES
THA T GENERA TIONS TO COME WILL
FEEL THE PERSONAL TOUCH OF "JOHN FRANKLIN WEIGER"
FEBRUARY 19, 1914 -

WH~N HIS CREATOR CAME TO TAKE

HIM HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY, I'M
SURE HE SMILED AND CALLED"JOHN FRANKLIN WEIGER"
JOHN WOULD HAVE WANTED IT THAT
WAY. HE ALWAYS ENJOYED CALLING
SOMEONE BY THEIR FULL NAME.
HE MUST HA VE.
AT ONE TIME HE KNEW EVERYONE'S
MIDDLE NAME IN THIS AIR GUARD
UNIT.

DECEMBER 25, 1980

Cold Fire Exercise 1980 Maintenance Group

1981
With the assigned personnel strength of the 193rd Electronic Combat Group peaking at 101% of authorized
strength - around 970 enlisted and officer personnel there was one retirement noted. TSgt Frank Thomas,
material storage and distribution supervisor with the
193rd Resource Management Squadron retired in January
following 41 years of service.
From 12 to 16 June, the 9th Air Force performed a Management Effectiveness Inspection at the 193rd to evaluate
the management, organization, and mission capability, of
our unit. In addi tion to scrutinizing every facet of the unit,
a mobility exercise simulated the deployment of the 193rd
with 218 members and seventy tons of equipment. The
overall rating by the 9th Air Force was satisfactory.
Construction began in June on the Engine Inspection
and Repair Facility, the second new building in the
planned complex. Plans were being completed for the
new operations building and the aircraft maintenance
hangar.
A mission-model C-130 Hercules from the 193rd was on
exhibit at the International Air Tattoo Show at RAF
Greenham Common, England, 27 and 28 June. Air Tattoo
is the world 's foremost display of aircraft and where the
finest aerobatic teams compete for Air Show Trophies.
This was the tenth year for the world-famous show.
The 193rd continued to support several community service projects. From 16 to 23 May, several members gave
their free time to help with the WITF Public TV Auction.
Nearly fifty handicapped children from Camp Harmony
Hall were aided by 193rd members at their annual fishing
trip at Clarks Creek in July. For the past seven years our

unit has assisted the Easter Seal Society with this activity.
We also sponsored our second annual fishing derby in
September for Middletown area children ages 8 to 15.
Summer encampments for the 193rd Civil Engineering
Flight and its Fire and Crash Rescue Section were held at
two different locations in the nation. The civil engineers
spent two July weeks at McGhee Tyson Air Force Base,
Tennessee on a Prime Beef construction deployment to
complete jobs begun by other guard units.
The firemen were at Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana ,
for two weeks in July to develop their fire and crash assistance skills.
While members of the 193rd TAC Clinic were performing their June summer active duty at Langley Air Force
Base, Virginia, they aided in evacuating 350 patients from
the base hospital during a bomb threat. Among the
patients were 64 on stretchers and 18 infants.
On 1 August, the Human Relations Council was formed
at the 193rd for the purpose of identifying local "irritants"
which detract from a positive working atmosphere.
After 21 years of military service with 31/. at the 193rd as
U.s. Air Force Advisor, Lt Col Darrell E. Westby retired in
November 1981. He was honored at a farewell dinner
where he was presented the Pennsylvania Meritorious
Service Medal and named an honorary guardsman and air
technician.

As the winter of '81 approached, construction reports

indicated that construction of the engine inspection and
repair building was 85% complete. Bids for the construction of the roads and utilities for the entire guard complex
were out. The maintenance hangar and the operations
building were 95% designed.
Fire Chief CMSgt Charles E. Kline retired after more
than 30 years of service with the unit. Replacing Chief
Kline was MSgt Charles Elfner.
A milestone in the history of the Air National Guard's
Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air Base,

Avionics Cang- Cold Fire 1981

Tent City Osan AB Korea

Tennessee, was marked by two of our members. Second

Lieutenant Michael Brough joined his father, Major
Ernest Brough, in the commissioned ranks at the 193rd
making it the first time a father and son have graduated
from the Academy.
Pennsylvania's Deputy Adjutant General for Air, Major
General Frank H. Smoker, Jr., became the first Major General to hold that position when the U.S. Senate confirmed
his nomination for a second star in December. Major General Smoker was appointed Commander of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in September 1978.

Above: S53rd A.F. Band in Concer!.

Left: 193 Firefighters at Pit Fire Training

Below: 193rd SOG Base Defense Team conducts an

exercise.

98

 . . Don. check and clear mask.

Skinny and Ernie

99

1982
The infamous Weight Management Program made its
debut 1 January 1982. Weight management monitors were
appointed for each section in the Groupand scales ordered
so the comprehensive weigh-in of every unit member
could begin. A revised weight standard was issued by the
Department of Defense. SSgt Conner Blaine was assigned
as Group Weight Control Monitor.
Despite the efforts to trim the size of the Group's personnel, the unit's strength in the beginning of 1982 was 909
airmen, 129 officers, and 219 civilian technicians.
Members making the news in early 1982 included:
SSgt Richard Saylor named NCO of 1981 by the fire
department and SSgt George W. Elbert!, Fire Fighter of
the Year.
TSgt Gary Herman, an aIrcraft maintenance technician
in the 193rd CAM Squadron was selected as the Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of 1981, Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
MSgt Steven Wresnieski, a 193rd recruiter for five
years, was selected as an instructor at the I.G. Brown
Professional Military Education Center at McGhee
Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tennessee.
MSgt Henry Jirik, 193rd TAC Clinic and counselor for
the 193rd Explorer Scout Post, was honored by the
Union Canal Boy Scout District for his work in local
scouting.
CMSgt William P. Kephart, Jr., of the 193rd Weapons
Systems Security Flight, was reappointed as the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's Senior Enlisted Advisor,
His initial tour began in 1980.
MSgt Wayne Isett, photographer with the 193rd was
presented the first-place award in the color slide categoLTC Westby - Air Force Advisor

Cold Fire 1981, 193 CAMSQ Rhein-Mein AS Cermany

ry at the National Guard Association of Pennsylvania

conference.

Other personnel activities at the 193rd Electronic Combat Group in early 1982 included the Air Force naming Lt
Col Alan C. Swanson as our Air Force Advisor, replacing
Lt Col Darrell Westby who retired. Lt Col Swanson was a
C-130 squadron commander at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, prior to his assignment here.
Major WaIter Benson, Commander of the 193rd Communications Flight accepted an active duty tour with the
Air Force as an instructor at Kessler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Replacing Major Benson was Major John W. Obradovich, former operations officer at the 271st Combat
Communications Squadron at Fort Indiantown Gap.
Domestic action programs underway in the spring
included assisting in the annual WITF Public Television
Auction. May 14th was designated as Air National Guard
night. Also, the aviation Explorer Post 726, sponsored by
the 193rd was appealing for more young men and women,
to join and receive aviation instruction.
The 193rd was selected to receive the prestigious TAC
Flying Safety Award for the period February 1981 to 1982.
As of January 1982, the unit had completed 143 consecutive Class A mishap-free months of flying.
Over 500 current and former members of the 193rd
Electronic Combat Group and its' predecessor units
attended a gala 35th anniversary reunion 15 May 1982 in
Hershey. The guest speaker was Major General John B.
Conaway, Director of the Air National Guard.
General Conaway made mention of the many accom-

plishments of the 193rd and also stated that our unit is the
most deployed Air National Guard unit in America. The
553rd Air Force Band combo provided music for the evening.
Lt Col Stanley Schill, a member of tha 193rd since 1968,
retired in June as Chief of Intelligence. Major George W.
Mummert was named as the interim Chief.
The 193rd Motor Pool, formerly assigned to the 193rd
Combat Support Squadron was reassigned to the 193rd
Resource Management Squadron in mid 1982.
In addition to the major exercises in which the 193rd
aircraft and personnel participated, several of our units
were deployed throughout the year.
The 193rd Communication Flight - 30 members participated in a two week tour at Tyndall Air Force Base,
Florida 13 to 27 March . All communications career
fields were represented with the radio operators working on off-shore boats.
' 193rd Combat Support Squadron - 35 members were
at Hurlburt Field, Florida from 5-11 June for baseintegrated training with the 834th Combat Support
Group.
'553rd Air Force Band - the 40-member unit performed a number of big band concerts from 29 June to 1
July in Florida at the request of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
'193rd Civil Engineering "Prime Beef" Flight - 50
members spent from 5-20 June in Bangor, Maine to
assist the 101st Air Refueling Wing. The Prime Rib dining service, supporting Prime Beef, was represented to
prepare all of thei r meal .
'Fire and Crash Rescue Section - members were at K.1.
Sawyer Air Base in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the
late summer. A variety of aircraft emergencies were
simulated, and chemical warfare as well as nuclear con-

"Weapons Systems Security Flight - while at Fort Indiantown Gap, 14 to 20 August, security police members
experienced aggressor and defense tactics, live fire,

night reconnaissance patrols, and explosive devices

training.

Construction activity was fast-paced this year as construction began on the aircraft maintenance hangar. Negotiations on the operations building continued into the fall,
and preliminary plans for the resources facility were
approved by the Air Force Regional Engineer. Road construction in the new complex was completed in 1982
while installation of the perimeter security fence began in
August.
On 8 October groundbreaking ceremonies were held for
the $2.1 million Electronic Combat Squadron/ Telecommunications BUilding. The 30,000 square foot facility
was designed to serve as a combined command post and
flight operations center with air crew briefing rooms,
classrooms, and administrative offices. In addition, the
Group's ground communication center and life-support
facilities were deSigned into the building.
By the end of 1982, funds for the Resource Management
building and warehouse were approved. It was planned
that architectural and engineering work be completed in
twelve months so construction could begin in early 1984.
Also, by November 1982, the 193rd had been notified of
the impending transfer of the 193rd and other special
operations forces from Tactical Air Command back to the
Military Airlift Command. When the 193rd was the 140th
Air Transport Squadron , the unit was attached to the Military Air Transport Service, a predecessor to MAC.
Retirements took five air technician members and 164
years of knowledge from the 193rd during 1982 and into
January 1983.
'CMS Henry Sokolowski, personnel resource manager
and one of the first enlisted men to be inducted into the
Pennsylvania Air National Guard when it was created
following World War II retired on 4 August 1982. "Sok"
had acquired almost forty years of active and air guard
service.

"Lt Col Robert W. EnD, Jr., retired on 31 October after 33

years of service as the 193rd Chief of Safety.
"MSgt Gerald V. Henke, 193rd Supply Customer Support Supervisor, retired on 31 December as an air technician after mOfe than 32 years of technician service .

'CMS Willard M. Cammauf retired on 3 January 1983

after 32 years of guard status and nearly as many as an
air technician. He retired from the flight engineers section.

'SMSgt Kenneth I. Wahl was another January 1983 retiree after putting in 36 years of air guard service. He last
served as Superintendent of Quality Control in the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

lamination training was conducted .

Reforger exercise -

R. Fidler, R. Howell . R. Depp. L.R. L. Merringlon.

T. Lowe. A. Swanson, C. Beck

eMS Weiger's Retirement Dinner

Above: While on deployment to Germany, many members

rode the Rhine in a riverboat lour of the Bavarian
countryside.

Left: 193 SOC personnel spending time in fishing ac

tivlties with handicapped children from a local camp.

102

"Pop" Ebersole tightens his nozzle.

"Let's see now, that was 50 (eet of flight line and a gallon of prop
wash." asks Russ Howell

Late night engine maintenance on deployment.

103

1983
Individual and unit awards were numerous for aeeom
plishments in 1982:
'The Strategic Air Command presented the Fire and
Crash Rescue Section an award for professional excellence and significant contribution during a SAC exercise in Michigan last summer.
'Awards given by the Fire and Crash Rescue Section
included :
Firefighter of the Year - SSgt James Neusbaum
NCO of the Year - MSgt Robert Kidwell
'193rd Communications Flight Airman of the Year for
1982 was SRA Fred Young.
' SRA Pat Miller (Gebhard), 193rd TAC Clinic was
selected Pennsylvania Air National Guard Senior Airman of the Year for 1982 after competing with Air Guard
members throughout the state.
For the first time in the 36 year history of our unit there
were two full colonels in our ranks. Dr. Harry Little, Commander of the 193rd TAC Clinic, was promoted to colonel
in January. The 193rd Electronic Combat Group Commander, Colonel Robert E. Harris, was the other full colonel. Dr. Little was the Chairman of the Department of
Mental Health at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
On 1 March 1983, the 193rd Electronic Combat Group
experienced another transition ... a change of major command from the Tactical Air Command to the Military Airlift Command.
The change came about as the Air Force consolidated its
Special Operations and Combat Rescue Resources to produce the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field,
Florida. The wing included: our 193rd Electronic Combat
Group; 1st Special Operations Squadron at Clark Air Base,
Philippines; 7th Special Operations Squadron at RheinMain, Germany; and helicopters at Howard Air Base, Pan-

Community service in action was our motto in May 1983

as the 193rd provided auction storage support at the annual WITF public television auction 7 thru 14 May. Serving
as coordinators were: Melanie Murray, Larry Rutt, Ken
Fenton and Dennis Benson,
The Group received an "Honorable Mention" at the
1983 Adjutants General Association of the United States
conference in Milwaukee for our 1982 participation in the
1982 WITF auction. Only three states in the nation were
honored for their community service.
Other awards captured by the 193rd in 1983 were: firstplace in the National Guard Association of Pennsylvania
Photo Awards Contest. The winning 3Smm color slide of
the 193rd WSSF (Security Police) undergoing air base
perimeter defense training was taken by MSgt Wayne
Isett. Our Scope monthly newspaper was selected as the
first place winner in the 1983 NGAPA Public Affairs
Awards in the Unit Newspaper category.
The largest Security Police deployment in its history
occurred as 41 members of the 193rd Weapons Systems
Security Flight participated in the first ever "Crown
Defender" exercise. Conducted in California's Mojave
Desert, this exercise involved over 600 regular Air Force
members and two Air Guard units.
Flying crews from the 193rd in their C-130s flew the
Weapons FIt. from Harrisburg to Bicycle Lake just outside
ofFt. Irwin, Calif. The C-130 was actually set down on the

ama.

The consolidation required no movement of flying

units, no major reconstruction, and minimal personnel
changes, The areas influenced the most by the change
were orders, correspondence, regulations and other publications, forms, and the change of the TAC patch to the
MAC patch on all fatigue clothing.
Bldg. 75 - HangarConstructlon

Combat Support and Motor Pool

Gerald Hanson

lake bed . From there the police were trucked to their

Exercise site 20 miles into the Mojave Desert. The first and
primary job for the 193rd was to secure the airfield which
encompasseu 36 sq. miles.
Balliing the hot windy desert days and cold 40 degree
and below nights, the 193rd was the sole close dofender
group inside the airfield perimeter.
For the first time in a Security Police exercise, all participants used the Multi-Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (MILES). MILES laser beam transmillers were
allached to the defenders' M-16 rifles and special receivers were worn on the uniforms. When blank rounds were
fired from the MILES-equipped M-16s, a laser beam follows the track of the would-be bullet. If the beam comes
close to t he sensor, a beeping sound is emitted. If the beam
hits a sensor, a steady tone is emilled. Officials said that
besides making "kills" on either side easier to count,
MILES teaches the wearer a great deal about being careful
in combat. Other weapons used in the exercise included
81 mm mortars, 90mm recoilless rifles and 50 caliber
machine guns.
All phases of defense combat were experienced by the
193rders including ground force offensives, gas allacks,
aircraft allacks - with five kills for the police, and of
c.ourse the horrible desert conditions.

According to Police NCOIC SMSgt Wallace Wiestling,

"living conditions were something else. Tents had to be
pitched below ground level for camouflage and to keep the
wind from blowing them over. C-rations were for all meals
and baths were tAken in helmets."

During the final day of the Exercise an all-out allack by

91 aggressors were staged against 11 193rd defenders.
When the smoke had cleared, the aggressors were dead
and the 193rd had three left.
"One thing for sure," stated Sergeant Wiestling, we really surprised the Air Force with our defense capabilities
and a lot of our ability in defense tactics were acquired
from the intense training program we had at the Gap last

During June, the 193rd Civil Engineering Flight Prime

Beef teams spent ten days at McGhee Tyson Air Guard
Base. Knoxville, Tennessee constructing a metal mobility

storage facility, additions to the base gym, building a confidence gas chamber, a base antenna control building, and
numerous curb and sidewalk projects.
The CE Flight also completed their tri-annual task qualification training at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Their
training included living in tents, eating "C" rations, rapid
runway repair in a chemical environment, expedient run-

way repair in a chemical environment, expedient runway

lighting, water treatment, force beddown techniques, and
explosive ordinance reconnaissance.

The 193rd Communications Flight put in fourteen days

of training from 4 to 17 June at Langley AFB in Virginia
assisting the 1913th Communications Group. Included in
their training was three days of training in convoy driving,
camouflaging, field sanitation, and tent pitching.
All 25 members of the 193rd's Fire and Crash Rescue
Section spent their annual training 15 through 30 July at
PlaUsburgh Air Force Base, New York .. While on duty
there, the firemen helped man their crash station as well
as respond to several aircraft emergencies and some base
fire calls.
In August, 42 members of the 193rd TAC Clinic spent
two weeksofannualtrainingat RAF Alconbury, England.
During their deployment at the Royal Air Base, clinic
technicians and medical specialists participated in chemical warfare and disaster preparedness training.
In all, over 11,000 Pennsylvanians listened to our 553rd

Air Force Band in concert throughout the state during the

summer. Allentown and Rose Tree Park concerts highlighted the summer appearances of the 553rd.
On Saturday, 15 October 1983, the General Aircraft
Maintenance Hangar was officially dedicated, two
months ahead of the scheduled completion date. Ground
was broken for the$3.2 million hangar in August 1982.

August. ..

Other units deploying for annual training in 1983 were

67 members of the Combat Support Squadron who spent
a week in Florida performing some specializecllrainingat

Hurlburt Field from 4to 11 June. Work sections represented included transportation, CBPO, Supply, Chaplain's
Office, Food Service, Disaster Preparedness, Retention
and Public Affairs.

Bldg. 76 - Base Opera lions

Fllghl Surgeon Co l l.iuJe

"Darn. still busy."

"Sure I can (it ioto there. Wanna se01"

Radar Repairman

Osan Tent City

OnCuard

100,000 accident (ree flying hours

107

In addition to the large hangar area, the facility contains

avionics, pneudraulics, tire and wheel , metals fabricating,
electrical and environmental shops, plus a variety of
office, administrative, and training areas.
The new hangar is the fourth building completed in the
$20 million complex. Facilities remaining in 1983 to be
built: aerospace ground equipment shop, a supply warehouse/resource management facility, civil engineering/ fire station, and an operations and training facility.
Effective 1 October 1983, the name of our unit was
changed Trom Electronic Combat to the 193rd Special
Operations Group. The flying squadron's name also
changed to the Special Operations Squadron. This brings
our Group name into conformance with the 1st Special
Operatio!,s Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. There was no
change in mission or aircraft.
Retirements of three long-termers came about in 1983.
MSgt loseph H. Olivier, retired in February after 26 years
of active and air guard service.
MSgt Harry Snyder, Ir .. of the Comptroller's Office
retired in luly following more than 40 years of active and
air guard service. Harry was a member of the 512th Troop
Carrier at Willow Grove before joining this unit in 1963.
Lt Col Alan C. Swanson, the Group's Air Force Advisor
since October 1981 retired in December 1983 after serving
over 20 years of active duty. Her served the 193rdas a command pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner, and OPerations officer for Cold Fire '82.
193rd Fire Chief Charles Elfner and former chief,
Charles Kline, received commendation awards for their
prompt action during the crash of a fighter aircraft at the
Alpina, Michigan Air National Guard Base in luly 1978.
1Lt Randy I. Chapman, a recent graduate from the
Undergraduate Pilot Training School, was awarded the
Wing Commander's Outstanding Officer Award for his
excellent blend of authority and personality and outstanding military qualities. He also received the Distinguished Graduate Award.
TSgt AI Saxton of the 193rd Communications Flight
was named the unit Outstanding NCO for 1983.
Great strides were made in 1983 in the construction of
our new complex at the eastern end of the international
airport.
In luly, hundreds of spectators braved the sweltering 95
degree weather and oppressive humidity to participate in
the dedication of the new Squadron Operations/Telecommunications Building.
The $2.1 million facility is Ihe third building in the new
complex to open. It houses the Command Post, Intelligence offices, Standardization/Evaluation, Base Operations, Flight Training, Life Support, Deputy Commander
for Operations and Special Operations Squadron Commander's Offices.
Principals at the ceremony were Major General Richard
M. Scott, State Adjutant General; Major General Frank H.
Smoker,lr. , Commander of the Pennsylvania Air National
Guard; Colonel Richard Houser, United States Property
and Fiscal Official for the Pennsylvania National Guard;
Colonel Robart E. Harris, 193rd Special Operations Group
Commander; and Mr. Navarro, building contractor. The
553rd Air Force Band provided the music.
Other concert sites in Pennsylvania were Pittsburgh,
Erie, York, Harrisburg and York. Also included was a
training period at Hurlburt Field, Florida for five days in
support of the First Special Operations Squadron. Rounding out unit deployments in 1983 was the support given in
October to Exercise Bold Eagle at Eglin AFB, Florida, by 34
members of the 193rd Weapon Systems Security Flight.

Ours was the only Air National Guard security flight participating with some 19,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen in
Bold Eagle from September into November.
A U.S. Readiness Command, loint Readiness Exercise,
this was the sixth in a continuing series of loint Readiness
Exercises conducted to ensure the combat readiness of
U.S. based general-purpose forces.
Captain Ian Hoffmaster, Commander of the 193rd WSSF
was in charge of 12 people including regular Air Force
Policemen. For eleven days the security specialists guarded the airfield, and at no time did the enemy penetrate
their line of defense. According to SMSgt Wallace Wiestling, NCOIC, "This was the most austere field conditions
we ever experienced."
Unit members receiving recognition during 1983 were:
SMSgt Ralph E. East, NCOIC of the 193rd T AC Clinic,
received the General William Moffett Riley Medal for
having the greatest length of service in the Pennsylvania National Guard. SMSgt East joined the H8th Fighter
Squadron in 1947 at Reading, PA and has had continuous service since then.
The 193rd saw its first mother-son team when SSgt
Barbara Agee's son Stephen enlisted in the 193rd CAM
Squadron.

OPERATION URGENT FURY

The 193rd Special Operations Group began training
many years prior to the mission that began in the early
morning hours of25 October 1983, a mission called Urgent
Fury.
Several days prior to the United States invasion of the
Island of Gran ada, one Coronet Solo aircraft departed Harrisburg International Airport with 17 volunteers from the
193rd bound for a classified mission. Personnel were
briefed enroute that the mission was going to Roosevelt
Road Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico for a special exercise.
When the actual invasion began on 25 October, the EC130E was in position to begin its psychological mission of
broadcasting. Throughout the initial stages of the invasion, Coronet Solo provided pre-recorded radio programming to the residents on "Spice Island."
Coronet Solo was an integral part of the invasion force
providing the inhabitants with the information regarding
the government's status, life-threatening situations and
reports concerning health and welfare. Several days later,
the 193rd re-deployed to the Island of Barbados and began
flying missions in 'and out of Point Salines.
The official cessation of hostilities ended on 2 November 1983, but the 193rd SOG remained for an additional
three weeks before the mission was completed. It was
nearly one year later that the public and many Guard
members became aware of the role the 193rd actually
played in the invasion. A book entitled "Air War Grenada" by Stephen Harding actually defines part of the mission accomplished by the 193rd.
Two medals were awarded participants in Urgent Fury,
the Air Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Approval for the medals was granted in March 1985,
and they were awarded at a variety of ceremonies later in
the year.
The Air Medal was awarded to the following:
Lt Col Walter R. Ernst II
Lt Col lohn D. Quick (1 OLe)
Lt Col Laurence R. Rutt
Lt Col lames L. Zambo (1 OLC)
Capt Dennis R. Goodling

Capt Steven D. Guinter

2nd Lt Michael W. Brough
MSgt William W. Bickel. Sr.
MSgt Allen D. Kapp
MSgt Warren C. Miller (1 OLC)
MSgt Melvin L. Ruby (1 OLC)
MSgt John K. Slote (1 OLC)
MSgt Marlin L. Haldeman
TSgt Robert A. Heffner
TSgt John D. Herbert, III
TSgt Michael E. Roth
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was awarded
to the following members:
B. Gen. Robert E. Harris
Lt Col Laurence R. Rutt
Lt Col Walter R. Ernst II
Lt Col John D. Quick
Lt Col John J. Heinze
Lt Col Gordon H. Seeser
Lt Col James L. Zambo
Lt Col Robert V. Carter
Lt Col Owen W. Hickey
Lt Col George C. Meyer
Maj Ralph C. Aymin
Maj John S. Schreckengaust
Maj William C. Korner
Capt Ronald L. Schultz
Capt Dennis R. Goodling
Capt Dirk M. Suerth
Capt Richard W. Fidler
Capt Donald H. Kline, Jr.
Capt Craig E. Lady
Capt Steven D. Guinter
Capt Walter T. Eichelberger
2nd Lt. Charles G. McMillan
2nd Lt Eric C. Weller
2nd Lt Jeffery A. Miller
2nd Lt Michael W. Brough
CMSgt Thomas A. Lowe
MSgt James L. Bankes
TSgt Charles H. Geyer, Jr.
TSgt Edwin C. Walters
MSgt Bruce C. Keefer
MSgt Robert W. Lynn
TSgt John C. Joseph, Jr.
TSgt Burnell J. McIntyre
TSgt Phillip H. Heine
SSgt Martin J. Korecky
TSgt Ronald J. Keeny

SMSgt Normal T. Brown

TSgt Carl P. Weaver
TSgt Jonathan F. Barrett
SSgt John P. Stewart
TSgt Albert J. Kolaric
SSgt Kathy A. Moyer
MSgt Gary Crawford
TSgt David R. Brunner
MSgt Theodore P. Dupre
MSgt Andrew J. Hricak
MSgt John P. Hoffman
MSgt Warren C. Miller
TSgt Marlin L. Haldeman
TSgt Craig E. Friedline
MSgt James L. Buffington
MSgt Barry H. Wolfe
SSgt Ricky F. Teats
TSgt Timothy L. Young
MSgt Leo Batz
TSgt Michael B. Caflin
MSgt Walter C. Fitting, Jr.
TSgt Michael E. Roth
TSgt Charles L. Peterman
MSgt John S. Brown, Jr.
TSgt Dennis C. Walborn
TSgt John L. Eyer, Jr.
TSgt James E. Pringle
MSgt Alba L. Botts, Jr.
MSgt John K. Slote
MSgt Melvin Ruby
MSgt Allen D. Kapp
MSgt William W. Bickle, Sr.
SSgt Steven N. Miller
Maj. Kenneth E. Withers
MSgt William B. Herr
MSgt Robert Jasinski
TSgt Ronald L. Kaylor
TSgt Edward J. Moravetz, Jr.
TSgt Jess W. Durham
Sgt Todd A. Shefrer
MSgt Ronald R. Stoudt
TSgt John D. Herbert
TSgt Robert A. Heffner
SMSgt Ralph W. Rissmiller
TSgt Michael D. Lauber
Without their skill, courage, and dedication, Operation
URGENT FURY might well have had quite a different outcome.

"The Invaders"
L-R, M. Roth, A. Kapp, R. Heffner, ). Herbert. ). Stote, M. Hatdeman. M. Brough, ). Gothel (The Lone Malnl. Support), ,. Zembo, W. Ernst, L. RUII, ).
Quick, O. Goodling. M. Ruby, S. Gulnter, W. Bickel

"Ace" and "Chico"

Craphi c
Artist
Fred Lang

Sanding
Away

110

Point Salinas. Granada

On approach

1984
The year began with a rousing hurrah as the 193rd
received our fourth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
The award was given for our performance in support of
the exercises during the period of 1 january 1981 to 31
December 1982.
Also, a congratulatory letter was received from our
state's governor, Dick Thornburgh, praising our outstanding accomplishments.
Early in the year, military members who took part in the
Grenada operations last year were told they qualified for
the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to be awarded at
a future date.
The Tactical Air Command Flying Safety Award for
accident-free flying from 26 February 1983 to 25 February
1984 was given to the 193rd. TAC Chief ofStaffMajorGeneral james G. Jones cited our unit for its achievement.
Members winning individual honors in 1984 included:
Audio-Visual Section Photographer SSgt David Hawkins took first place honors in the color slide plus black
and white categories in the National Guard Association
of Pennsylvania Photo Contest. This was the fourth consecutive year 193rd photographers took the top slot in
photo competition.
Captain Dean Oswald, 193rd's Chief of CBPO, Pennsylvania Outstanding Personnel Manager was also
named the Air National Guard's Outstanding Personnel
Manager of the Year. The award was presented in Dallas, Texas in August.
First place honors in the Pennsylvania School Bus
Association drivers competition went to 2Lt George
Clark, a 193rd pilot. 2Lt Clark also tied for fourth place
In national school bus driving competition held in
Anchorage, Alaska.

EC130 being refueled looking through a fighter revetment

SMSgt Robert J. Gratkowskl, 193rd CAM Squadron;

TSgt Carl G. McCollum, 193rd Combat Support Squadron; and SrA Mark W. Smith also of the CAM Squadron
were selected to represent the 193rd Special Operations
Group for the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Program
in Pennsylvania. This is one of the most prestigious programs established to recognize ANG enlisted personnel.
Each will be entered In national competition.
Units deploying to far-reach ing points for annual trainIng included:
Twenty-six members of the 193rd Communications
Flight turned In an excellent performance during Phase I
Specialized Training at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
from 31 March to 15 April 1984.
Fifty-six engineering specialists from the Civil Engineering Flight split into two teams in June and received
real hands-on training. One team completed the installation of a security fence at Hill AFB, Utah. At Salt Lake City
Air National Guard Base, the team renovated a gutted barracks. That project included building walls, electrical and
heating systems, ventilation, concrete sidewalks, and putting in an oil and water separator for the sewer line.
sewer line ..

553rd Air Force Band performed six concerts in Pennsylvania during july before going to Hurlburt Field for six
days of additional training.
Over the past years several members of the 193rd have
taken their talents and abilities to the Air National
Guard's Professional Military Education Center in Tennessee to serve tours as instructors.

In early 1984, the 193rd's Audio-Visual Manager, MSgt

Wayne !sett, was one of two A-V managers selected from
across the country to write the new Audio-Visual Management curriculum and then teach the course at PMEC.

MSgt Wayne Isett was one of four Air National Guard

members In the United States to serve on the Training

Advisory Committee for the Headquarters, Air National

Guard.
The 193rd's first Clergy Day was held on 09 June with 17
clergymen from nine communities representing eight
religious denominations.
Group Commander, Colonel Robert E. Harris, welcomed the ministers to the unit. Following a noon meal in
the dining hall, the group toured the aircraft maintenance
complex and a C-130 aircraft.
Softball was the name of the game from 9 to 12 August
as the 193rd's softball team played in the 19th Annual Air
National Guard Softball Tournament. Nicknamed the
"PaANG GANG," they played their first game against a
Delaware ANG team . .. tournament champs the last two
years. We lost 13 to 5. We did win the second game 8 to 7.
The third game was a 4 to 3 heartbreaking loss to Baltimore.

Before the end of 1984, the 193rd Special Operations

Group saw the first change in Group Commanders since
May of 1956. Colonel Robert E. Harris was transferred to
Air National Guard Headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap
and assigned the duty of Commander of the Pennsylvania
Air National Guard, a position held by Major General
Frank H. Smoker, Jr. General Smoker continued as Deputy
Adjutant General for Air.
Lt Col Thomas L. Cope, a pilot with the 193rd and Chief
of Standardization/ Evaluation Section was named acting
Commander of the Group. Meanwhile, Colonel Harris
remained with the 193rd in his technician position as Air
Commander.

During 1984 the 193rd lost a combined 345 years ofmili.

tary experience as eleven members (each with 24 or more
years of military service) retired from the Air National
Guard.

They were:
TSG Robert A. Reynolds
24 years
MSG Raymond F. Dunkle
29 years
MSG Bennett H. Felix
40 years
MSG William H. Seifert, Sr.
30 years
MSG Joseph R. Shewitz
40 years

193rd Special
Operations Squadron
193rd Combat
Support Squadron
193rd Resource
Management Squadron
193rd Special
Operations Group
193rd Consolidated
Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron
MSG Robert L. Lindsey
193rd Special
28 years
Operations Squadron
MSG Lowell F. Kessler
193rd Communications
31 years
Flight
SMS Thomas C. Reifsnyder 193rd Resource
38 years
Management Squadron
LTC Owen W. Hickey
193rd Special
28 years
Operations Squadron
LTC Edward W. Boggs
193rd Special
28 years
Operations Squadron
LTC Robert J. Hoffman
193rd Special
28 years
Operations Squadron
LTC Boggs had been the Commander of the 193rd
Special Operations Squadron since May 1982.
He spent his active duty in the Air Force as a construction engineer from 1957 to 1959. Upon release, LTC
Boggs joined the Air Force Reserve and attended pilot
training. In 1964 he joined our 140th Transport
Squadron.
LTC Boggs first served as Commander of the Operations Squadron in 1972-1973. He became the squadron
operations officer in June 1973 and was appointed Commander in May 1982.

Now Rosources Buildlng_79, Tho TAl Mahal Dftho t93 SOC

1985
The new year began with an update on the construction
in our new complex. The new Resource Management
building was moving along on schedule with a formal dedication program planned for late summer of 1985. Meanwhile, the National Guard Bureau had authorized $1 .8
million for construction of the combined Civil Engineering/ Fire and Crash Rescue facility. This building brings
together both civil engineers and the fire department for
the first time in the unit's history.
Our building program wasn't the only one concerned
with physical improvement in 1985. Our Group Commander, LTC Thomas L, Cope, announced another phase
of physical fitness to the members and explained how the
new Physical Fitness Evaluation Program would be
implemented later in the year.
Several membership milestones were reached early in
1985. Howard H, Boots III of New Holland became the
4,500th person to enlist in the Pennsylvania Air National
Guard. A music education major at Millersville University, Airman Boots naturally joined the 553rd Air Force
Band.
SSG Kim Wood, a former member of the Illinois Air
National Guard, became the first female member of the
193rd Weapon Systems Security Flight. The security
police career field had previously been closed to females,
but new Air Force regulations provided for female security police specialists,
SRA Mark W. Smith, a machinist in the aircraft maintenance squadron, was selected by tbe Pennsylvania Air
National Guard as its Airman of the Year to represent the
Keystone state in national competition in Washington,
D.C.
In national competition, SRA Smith achieved greater
than any other Pennsylvania Air Guard member by being
selected as one of the Air National Guard's eight "Outstanding Airman of the Year." SRA Smith then represented the Air National Guard in the final competition for the
U.S. Air Force Airman of the Year.
The 193rd Communications Flight got a spring break
from Harrisburg's winter frost as 38 members spent two
weeks at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, in March. The
radio operators had a brand-new experience when they
worked their shifts on Navy boats off the Florida coasts to
provide support for Air Force target maneuvers.
The spring weather brought about a flurry of outside
construction work. The Resource Management Squadron
building reached a 55% completed stage by March while
ground was officially broken on 29 March 1985 for the Civil Engineering Squadron and Group Fire Station. Meanwhile most of the design work had been completed on the
Group's headquarters and training building which will
house the dining facility, band practice area, a complete
television studio, the TAC Hospital, and other Combat
Support Squadron and Special Operations Group offices.
This building will be constructed in the grassy area
between the vehicle compound and the Squadron Operations building.
Several units were gearing up for spring and early summer exercises. One was Volant Scorpion, an exercise in
which 35 members of the Weapon Systems Security Flight
flew to LillIe Rock Air Force Base to hone their skills in
airbase ground defense. A strenuous physical fitness program required that our members run over two miles every
day of the 31 March to 14 April exercise. Obstacle course
and bayonet training plus living in field conditions highlighted the deployment.

On 1 June, 1985, Lieutenant Colonel Adolph P. "Ace"

Hearon became the Commander of the 193rd Special
Operations Group and its preceding units. Formerly Deputy Commander for Maintenance and Commander of the
Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, LTC
Hearon has heen a unit member since 1972. A command
pilot, he bas over 8,500 hours of flying time in eleven different aircraft, including more than 2,000 hours in EC130E aircraft.
A graduate of Clemson University, LTC Hearon
received his Bachelor of Science degree in textile engineering. He holds a Master of Business Administration
degree from Auburn University, earned in 1976 while
attending the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base.
His Air Force career began in 1954 with Undergraduate
Pilot Training. After graduation, he served with the Air
Defense Command until 1959, and then from 1960 to 1968,
he was a pilot with the North Carolina Air National Guard.
He also flew with the Tennessee Air National Guard and
the 911th Air Force Reserve in Pittsburgh. In LTC
Hearon's civilian work, he was a sales representative. dis-

trict sales manager, and a plant manager for Sunoco Products.

Joining the 193rd full-time in November 1972, LTC

Hearon served first as Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, then commander of the flying squadron. In May
1982, he was named commander of all aircraft maintenance activity.
Interim Commander LTC Thomas L. Cope from September 1984 to June 1985 returned to his former position
as Chief of Stan/Eval and pilot.
Another change of command occurred in 1985 as MAJ
Leonard B. D'Amico was appointed interim commander of
the 193rd Resource Management Squadron. LTC Donald
McAuliffe, former squadron commander and Deputy
Commander for Resource Management, assumed the
position of Chief Manpower Personnel Division at the
National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.
By the middle of July, the new Resource Management
Squadron building was 76% complete with a fall dedication planned. Meanwhile, the 193rd Civil Engineering
Squadron building was beginning to rise from its freshly
poured foundation footings.
It was also time fora 15-dayannual training deployment
for 45 members of the Civil Engineering Squadron and a
trip to Volk Field, Wisconsin. Our civil engineers constructed 3,000 feet of stabilized roadway in marshland,
laid over 300 feet of new sewer system, removed a 5,000
gallon fuel oil tank, and performed some rehabilitation
projects in their spare time.
Another "first" for the 193rd came on Saturday, 7 September when the first annual Dining Out was held at the
Harrisburg Marriott. Following the dinner, several awards
were given. The guest speaker was Brig Gen John F.
McMerty, and music for dancing was provided by the
533rd Air Force Band. The 193rd Special Operations
Squadron was the host.
Among the awards presented at the Dining Out was the
trophy that captured the 193rd SOG Softball Team for finishing in 5th place in tbe 20th annual Air National Guard
Softball Tournament in Cheyenne, Wyoming in August.
There were 85 teams entered in the slow-pitch event. The
teams' members wele:

CPT Tim Stewart

2LT Wes Gabriel
TSG Mike Caflin
TSG Bill Eisenhour
TSG Bob Fisher
SMS Ron Martin

TSG Bob Heffner

TSG Dick Sattasahn
SSG Curt Flinchbauch
SSG Chris Miller
SSG Benn Miller
MAJ Terry Eichelberger
SSG Todd Sheffer
SSG Greg Wiestner
SGT Vaughn Dubs
SGT Kevin Gasswint
SGT Bruce Lohr
The official ribbon cutting for the $2.4 million Resource
Management facility came in September as the building
was dedicated in a ceremony at which time Maj Gen Richard M. Scott, State Adjutant General, received theceremonial building key from the contractor. ToseDh J. Navarro.
The newest building in the Air Guard complex features
many innovations like a double-door dock receiving area,
a wind-around ramp at the west side of the warehouse for
greater ease in delivering pallets to aircraft, and ours is
one of the only two guard units in the country to have a
rotating supply carousel holding up to 9,000 supply parts.
By the end of the 1985 fiscal year, 30 September. the
assigned strength ofl ,131 members in the 193rd exceeded
our authorized strength and contributed greatly to the
overall Air National Guard membership goal of 109,000
members nationwide.
Real world support kept several units busy in September. A fo rce of 17 security police from the 193rd Weapon
Systems Security Flight deployed to Willow Grove Naval
Air Station on 21 September to augment the 11th TAS
Group's security force. Over 400 demonstrators threatened Air National Guard and U.S. Navy resources at the
station. but they were contained at the main gate and no
damage was done.
Early in September, 22 members of the 193rd assisted in
the investigation and clean-up ofthe 9 September crash of
an Ohio Air National Guard A-7 at Fort Indiantown Gap.
Security Police secured the crash site while the photolab
took photos and videos for crash investigators. Members
of our fuels section and our unit's flying safety office, MAJ
Walter Eichelberger, assisted in the investigation. Others
who assisted were:
MAJ Robert Martin
MSG Robert Anderson
SMS Thomas Starnowsky
MSG Dennis Ebersole
MSG Wayne Isett
MSG Irvin Peters
TSG William Bloszinsky
TSG George Garman
SSG Daniel Eisenhart
TSG William Ventzer
SSG David Gyger
SSG Richard Heibel
SSG Robert Sload
SSG John Schmidt, Jr.
SSG Patrick Shull
SSG John O'Brien
SSG Robert McGuirk
SSG John Stoner
SSG Andrew Smith
SGT Martin Mummert
AMN Julio Vazquez
In October, LTC David P. Witmer, Jr. assumed new
duties as Deputy Commander for Maintenance, replacing
LTC A.P. Hearon, now the Group Commander. LTC Witmer joined our predecessor. the 140th Air Transport

Squadron in 1962 and has served in Operations Plans and

Stan/ Eva!. He logged over 12,500 hours of flying time as a
navigator and an electronic warfare officer.
Activity around the base that completed a busy 1985:
The Civil Engineer Squadron marked their new
building at 95% completed and began making plans for
a spring move and formal dedication .
A familiar landmark seen by everyone on their way
to our new complex was the base steam heating plant,
slated to be torn down early in 1986 to make way for a
complete air cargo handling program to be operated by
the International Airport.
Plans for the Group training and headquarters facility were put.on hold temporarily because of federal budget constraints. But, the much-delayed ground equipment building was approved for construction in an area
near the transportation compound.
Several personnel actions closed out 1985:
SSG Andy K. Blair was named Airman of the Vear by
the 193rd Information Systems Flight.
SMS Robert Gratkowski was selected as the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor.
Formerly the CAM Squadron first sergeant, he replaced
CMS William Kephart as the liaison between the Commander of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and the
enlisted force.
CMS William Kephart returned to the 193rd as
supervisor of the Law Enforcement Section of the Combat Support Squadron.
LTC Reed Ernst II became Deputy Commander for
Operations, replacing LTC David P. Witmer, Jr. , who
became Deputy Commander for Maintenance earlier in
the year. LTC Ernst is a command pilot with over 7.500
flying hours.
LTC Derle Snyder was appointed Commander of the
Special Operations Squadron, succeeding LTC Ernst.
LTC Snyder is also a command pilot.
-MAJ Elmo P. Lemmonds was appointed the Group
Executive Officer after serving as the Group Safety Officer since 1972.
-MSG Robert Jackson was chosen as the Base Career
Advisor replacing MSG James Zerbe who transferred to
the 201st Civil Engineering Flight. MSG Jackson was a
member of the CAM Squadron for seventeen years.
In looking ahead to 1986, Accounting and Finance put
together a layman's budget to show how the Air National
Guard not only serves our state and country but also adds
to local economies. This listing shows some of the 1986
operations and maintenance costs for the 193rd in Middletown, the 112th Tactical Control Flight and the 114th Air
Traffic Control Flight at University Park; and the geographically separated units at Fort Indiantown Gap.
Military Pay .. .. ....................... .............. .. .. .......... ... $7.271 ,557
Data Automation ... .. .................................................... 86.100
Communications ... .. .................. .. .. ............................ 150,000
Security Agreements .............................................. .. 241 ,900
Supplies and Equipment ................................ .. .. ... l .492,600
Utilities .......................................................... ............ 473,100
Aviation Fuel, Oils, and Lubricants .....................2.574.737
Repair and Reclamation of Buildings ...................... .40,000
Recruiting and Retention .... .. .. ................ ................... 45,500
Miscellaneous Maintenance and Other Charges ... 254,800
TOTAL .. .. ......................... ................................... $12.629,794
Up to 90% of these figures are generated by the 193rd in
Middletown.

1986
The 193rd Weapon Systems Security Flight experienced a chtlling January training assembly when approximately forty unit members deployed to Fort Indiantown
Gap for active training.
On Saturday morning, 11 January, Army Guard 28th
Division helicopters transported the flight's members to
the field . After a tactical insertion, the area was secured,
and training in Arctic camouflage and survival techniques began. The flight members simulated field conditions by living in tents and eating C-rations.
The P-13 ramp patrol vehicle and several members
from the 193rd's Fire and Crash Rescue Department
were called to assist 19 other area fire departments to
fight the raging fire at the TRW Inc. plant in Harrisburg
on the evening of 3 February 1986. Our equipment and
manpower was requested because of our capability to
fight "water reactive" fires.
Black History month was celebrated here during the
February training assembly when the 193rd Human
Relations Council sponsored a Black Heritage Program.
The theme was "Blacks in the Military." Remarks were
made by BG Robert E. Harris, PaANG Commander, and
the guest speaker was COL 'ames T. Whitehead, Director
of Operations, PaANG.
Ma' Gen Richard M. Scott, Adjutant General, awarded
11 Au Medals to members of the 193rd SOG during the
March training assembly for their outstanding proficiency and dedication to duty. The awards were presented
for sustained aerial flight made under extremely hazardous conditions near the Caribbean. Each of the recipients completed at least 10 missions from 1981 to 1985.
Awardees were: Col John J. Heinze (retired), Lt Col John
D. Quick, Majors Kenneth E. Withers and Phillip M. Friday, ~aptains Dennis R. Goodling, Steven D. Guinter
and Randy J. Chapman, Master Sergeants Andrew
Hricak and Augustine Interrante and Tech Sergeants
Michael F. Acri and 'ess W. Durham.
From 12 to 30 March, 101 SOG members flew to Osan
AB, Republic of Korea to participate in Exercise Team
Spirit 86. Four unit aircraft made the trip along with an
Air Force C-141 which carried support personnel.
Team Spirit '86 was a Joint Chief of Staff directed
US/ROK combined field training exercise conducted in
Korea from 18 to 27 March. The exercise was designed to
increase combat readiness of ROK and u.s. ground,
naval, marine, and air component forces through training in joint operations in Korea.
In March, the Civil Engineering Squadron began moving into their new building in the main complex. The
$1 .4 million one-story facility will house Civil Engineering's administrative and training offices, all engineering
shops plus three double bays for the 193rd fire and crash
rescue apparatus. Approximately 125 squadron
members are assigned to the facility. The building was
formally dedicated during the 22 June training assembly.

Regarding other construction in our new complex, the

Operations and Training BUilding construction was officially postponed to fiscal year 1987. Negotiations for
construction of a new Aerospace Ground Equipment
Shop were ongoing through 1986.
From 6 to 9 March, the 193rd TAC Hospital received a
Health Service Management Inspection (the equivalent
to a Management Effectiveness Inspection). An overall
satisfactory rating resulted from the most thorough and
in-depth inspection ever conducted in our hospital.
Representatives from the 2nd Air Division and the 1st
Special Operations Wing (our parent wing) from
Hurlburt Field, Florida were at the 193rd from 2 to 8
April to cond!,ct a Staff Advisory Visit to insure our
readiness for the Operational Readiness Inspection and
Management Effectiveness Inspection scheduled for
August 1986.
The Air National Guard drug testing program began on
1 April, but testing at the 193rd did not begin until the
June UTA. The random testing of 193rd guard members
consists of no less than 1% and no more than 2% of all
members aSSigned.
On 26 April, 45 members of the 193rd were "on the
road again" ... this time to Rhein-Main AB, Germany, to
support Exercise Flintlock '86, a Joint Chiefs of Staff exercise lasting to 11 May.
Briefings on our Volant Solo mission and static aircraft
displays occurred in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Belgium, and
two Germany locations to acquaint United States and
NATO joint forces with the 193rd's mission.
The 193rd participated in another Joint Chiefs of Staff
exercise during the same time frame, 30 April to 10 May.
Exercise Ocean Venture '86 saw the deployment of 45
unit members and one EC-130E to Roosevelt Roads
Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico, to demonstrate U.S.
capability to protect forces in the Caribbean Basin.
Those were not the only exercises we supported in
1986. The Strategic Air Command requested the 193rd to
deploy to March AFB, California and Pease AFB, New
Hampshire during the 8 to 15 June time frame for Exercise Global Shield '86.
To demonstrate U.S. capabilities to protect national interests in a desert environment was the purpose of Exercise Gallant Eagle '86, another Joint Chiefs exercise.
From 23 July to 3 August, 68 unit members and two aircraft were based at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
Our runway looked more like a speedway on 15 May
when NASCAR race drivers Bobby Allison and Bobby
Hillin, Jr. arrived at the 193rd for an afternoon "media
event." In preparation for Air Force Day at the 'une 8th
Miller 500 at Pocono Raceway, area media representatives plus the Miller American Racing Team on our
flight line with aircraft #7816 and an A-37 fighter from
the 11tth Tactical Air Support Group, Willow Grove. A
press conference was held in the Operation Squadron's
briefing room.

From 7 to 12 August, the SOG received Operational

Readiness and Management Effectiveness Inspections by
the Inspector General 's office, Military Airlift Command.
During those six days 50 IG team members scoured
every nook and cranny of the Group to insure our compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.
It was an anxious time for the Group as the inspection
team continually quizzed both technician and Guard
supervisors and members on every aspect of their jobs.
In addition, the Group was tasked with a mobility exercise during the 9-10 August Unit Training Assembly 'as
part of the ORI to evaluate our ability to perform our
wartime mission.
The simulated mobility operation involved the
deployment of fi ve aircraft, crews, support personnel
equipment, and Prime BEEF and RIBS teams to three
(Central America) locations. Unit personnel performed
assign&d tasks during a simulated chemical warfare exercise, and one aircrew donned chemical warfare
ensembles prior to landing in a simulated chemical environment. During the ORI, our unit sUf,ported and flew
eight missions performing psycho ogical warfare
operations.
The overall rating of the Group's performance in the
ORI was excellent.
The Management Effectiveness Inspection rating was
satisfactory. Several offices received excellent ratings:
Base Administration; Combat Support Squadron; Deputy
Commander for Operations; Contracting, Logistics Plans,
and Transportation of the Resource Management
Squadron.
",or the first time in recent history, the 193rd was rated
satisfactory in meeting Air Force Standards in dress and
personal appearance as well as in customs and
courtesies.
Several Group members were identified by the IG
team as outstanaing performers during the Operational
Readiness/ Management Effectiveness Inspections.
These members were recognized for having performed
an outstanding job and making significant contributions
toward the success of their unit during the inspections.
CONTRACTING
SMS David W. Weidner, Chief of Contracting, 193
RMS
OPERATIONS 4
LTC E. Thomas Kuhn, Jr., Chief of Operational Plans
193 SOG/SOS
SMS Walter C. Fitting, NCOIC/Superintendent,
Operations
SMS W. Bruce Herr, Standardization/Evaluation
PERSONNEL
MSG Ronald L. Stum, Sr. NCOIC, Customer Service,
193 CSS
SSG Kenneth E. Bellock, Records Technician
SSG Barbara A. Clark, Records Technician
SSG Melanie J. Murray, Administrative Specialist

SAFETY

MAJ John S. Schreckengaust, Chief of Safety, 193rd

SOG
Air Force Communication Command Inspector
General personnel conducted a management effectiveness inspection of the 193rd Information Systems
Flight from 8 to 10 August 1986.
The MEl was rated excellent and the ORI portion was
rated outstanding.

Although the 193rd was not directly involved, two

significant events occurred just off to the west at the
Harrisburg International Airport. The first event was the
second annual Pennsylvania International Airshow 27
and 28 Sept which we supported with a static aircraft
display, a recruiting booth, and the C-65 (wooden model
of a C-130). Then one day later, 29 Sept, thousands of

area residents flocked to the airport to witness a first in

Central Pennsylvania. One of the British Overseas Airway's Concorde Supersonic airplanes landed as part of
an AAA travel pacKage. Most all of the 193rd members
on duty had " runway seats" to watch the slender body of
the Concorde pass within several yards of our C-130s
when it landed and took off the next day.
The social highlight of the year was Saturday night, 7
October, the second annual 193rd SOG Dining Out at the
Penn Harris Inn. The featured speaker was MG Robert B.
Patterson, Commander, 23rd Air Force (Special Operations), and music was provided by the 553rd Air Force
Band. COL" Ace" Hearon was the President of the Mess
and MAJ Dennis R. Goodling, the Vice-President. Plans
for the 1987 social event, the unit's 40th Anniversary
celebration, were announced.
Perhaps the most exciting event in ten years at the
commercial end of the airport occurred on Monday, 8
December when the new $14 million passenger terminal
was put into operation. The new terminal expanded the
operating space three times over the former terminal
which was originally built to be our Air Guard nose dock
hangar. The state took occupancy of the hangar in 1967
and quickly converted it into a terminal.
The busy year ended on a very optimistic note with
the long-awaited announcement that bids were to be
sought starting in December for construction of a 43,000
square foot Operations and Training Building in the new
complex.
Tlie nearly $5 million 0 & T, or headquarters building,
will contain the Group Commander's Offices, space for
all unit support functions such as personnel, administration, a photo lab, closed-circuit television studio,
recruiting, chaplain, legal, public information, and social
actions offices. In addition, the two-story building will
house security police offices, a 250-seat capacity dining
hall and kitchen , medical facility , and rehearsal facility
for the 553rd Air Force Band. About 250 personnel will
be assigned to the building.
Construction is to begin mid-March 1987, and completion is scheduled for summer 1988. Also scheduled for
construction is the ground-support equipment shop.
These two projects complete the original construction
phase which began in 1980 and totals between $15
million and $18 million. Future plans Involve the Guard
complex expanding another 36 acres to the east on land
that is now part of the closed Crawford Generating Station as well as the construction of an access road at the
northeast corner of our complex.
The economic impact of the 193rd on Central Pennsylvania has never been greater. In addition to Guard
assistance with airport snow removal and other
maintenance, valued at more than $15,000 in Department of Transportation savings, the 193rd spends about
$1 million locally for supplies and services. Another $15
million is generated in annual salaries from 269 Cull-time
employees and more than 1,100 traditional Guard
members.
Those numbers, the facilities, even the mission concept of today's 193rd Special Operations Group are
surely staBSering to those Air Guard pioneers of the 148
Fighter Squadron back In '47, But In 2027, when
another forty years of service will be celebrated, it's
our hope that those members appreciate the legacy we
will leave for them as much as we are truly thankful
for the heritage we received over the past forty years.
20277 Will we still be the 193rd Special Operations
Group? Will our mission be changed7 What do you
think we will be flying? 1987. , , those were the good 01'
days . . ,or was it '477

complex, was to contain the group commander's office as well

1987

as space for all support functions. The building would later

During the first three months of 1987, the I 93rd Special Operations Group was involved in five major Joint Chiefs of Staff

8,000 square-foot medical facility and the SS3rd Air Force Band.

(JCS)-sponsored exercises: Brim Frost, Flowing Pen, Quick

Force, Beyond Duty and Team Spirit.

Exercise Flowing Pen, comprised of24 aircrews and maintenance personnel and commanded by Lt. Col. John D. Quick,
departed Harrisburg International Airport in January and returned from an undisclosed site nearly one month later. During
that time, the unit new 156 mission hours during J 7 sortie in
support afthe Electronic Security Command.
The unit returned to Osan Air Base, Korea, a familiar oper-

ating base afthe 193rd, for Exercise Beyond Duty '87. A total
or 59 unit members look part in the JCS exercise, once again
supporting the Electronic Security Command. Portions of the
exercise were flown (rom Clark Air Base, the Philippines, which
marked the first time the 193rd operated from Clark since the

1977 conversion from the EC-12IS to the EC-130E aircraft.

Three EC-130E aircraft and 104 Guard members were deployed to Osan Air Base for the unit' s ninth year ofparticipation in Exercise Team Spirit. The Team Spirit Mission Commanderwas Lt. Col . Derle M. Snyder; Chief Master Sgt. Anhur
Smith was the maintenance supervisor and Master Sgt. Frank
Homa was the detachment first sergeant.
Meanwhile, back at the I 93rd, construction bids for a twostory, 43,000 square foot operations and training building, more

house the security police, a 250-seat capacity dining hall . an

In addition to office space, the construction project, the unit's
ninth since 1979, was also to include a ground support equipment shop, field storage tanks and an enlarged parking area.
The 21lth Engineering Installation Squadron from Fort
Indiantown Gap built a 17-element communications antenna

next to Building 76 for the 193rd Communications Flight. The

382-pound antenna, designed to provide better air-to-ground
communications with the unit's mission aircraft, was placed on

top of the loo-foot high tower.

Governor Robert P. Casey announced his appointment of
Gerald T. Sajer, a decorated veteran oflhe Korean War. to the
post of Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Sajer, a retired brigadier general , had previously served in both the active duty Army
and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
The 1987 Senior Enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer ofthe
Year for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard was from the
193rd Disaster Preparedness section. Master Sgt. Carl G .
McCollum was selected to represent the Keystone State in competition for the National Senior NCO of the Year, but passed
away suddenly during the early morning hours of February 12.
Later that year, StaffSgt. Mike Chalk-was selected as the group's
new disaster preparedness technician .

The 193rd Information Systems Flight, commanded by Maj.

familiarly known as thc "hcadquaners building" (Building 81),

John W. Obriadovich, was renamed the 193rd Communications

were opened on February 20. The low bid was $4,414,000

with construction expected to begin in April 1987.
Groundbreaking took place on March 25 .

Flight by the National Guard Bureau.

The headquarters building, located in the center of the 36-acre

More than 160 unit members attended the annual Black History Program on february 8. The guest speaker for the cer
emony was Harrison Ridley, who delivered a speech entitled

PaANG photo by 193rd Multimedia

A sign in Ihe village nearest Osan Air Base. leslifies 10 the close relationship between the U.S. military and Ihe Korean people.

11 8

"History of Songs Through Black Music."

The February UTA marked a second social milestone when
a " no smoking" policy was implemented in the 193rd hospital
treatment area. By the end of 1987, the Adjutant General 's
Smoking Policy would also prohibit smoking aboard all military aircraft.

While participating in exercise Flintlock '87, the 193rd SOG

deployed to Rhein Main Air Base, Germany from April 25 to
May 8. During Flintlock, the unit conducted mock psychological operations senerios using an unconventional warfare concept. Full emphasis was given to developing procedures for

joint-service interface.
During Flintlock, the 193rd teamed-up with the 6th Psychological Operations Battallion and. German PSYOPS unit. The
6th POB produced program material in a German facility which
was played during a nightly broadcasting mission by the Volant Solo aircraft. The entire PSYOPS operation involved the
U.s. Army, Navy and Air Force along with NATO forces to
demonstrate U.S. PSYOPS capabilities and equipment to allied
forces.
Deploying to two separate locations, 56 unit
members participated in Solid Shield '87 in the spring of that
year. The JCSdirected, all-services exercise was designed to
train personnel from all military branches in joint combat operations. Solid Shield was to maximize realism in an exercise
environment and enable the participants to evaluate and improve joint services inter-operability.
Another spring-

time first was recorded by the 193rd at Salt Lake City, Utah.
During exercise Quick Force, the unit participated with the I 69th
Electronic Security Squadron-another Air National Guard unit.
Supporting the Strategic Air Command, the 193rd deployed
to two operating locations in the United States during exercise
Global Shield. Both deployments were in June. Tasking for
the mission was communications jamming. The establishment
ofthe U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) became
effective April 16 at MacDill AFB, Florida.
The 553rd Air Force Band performed in Philadelphia for the
Pennsylvania Music Educators in-selVice conference. Under
the direction ofLt. Col. Jere Fridy, the band staged a reenactment of the famed John Philip Sousa band. James G. Saied of
Tulsa, Oklahoma played the roll of Sousa as he conducted the
band in a program featuring authentic dress, musical solos and
audience participation.
Brig. Gen. (retired) Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager was the featured speaker at the 40th anniversary celebralion of the 193rd
on May 9, 1987. More than 900 members and guests ..:tended
the gala event at th" Penn Harris Motor Lodge. Yeager related
his flying experiences during his long career in the Air Force.
During mid-June, 20 unit members assisted with the W1TFTelevised Auction to raise money in support of public broadcasting. "Guard Night" featured 193rd members answering lelephones, posling bid-boards, post auction storage and some even
became auctioneers. The 1987 auction marked 193rd member
Starr Sgt. Melanie Murray's tenth year of participation in the
auction.
With the installation ofthe universal aerial-refueling slipway
modification, the 193rd became the first C-130 reserve force
unit with in flight refueling capability. From that point on, rou-

tine qualification and currency flights would be flown with the

171st Air Refueling Wing, a Pennsylvania Air National Guard
unit located at the Pittsburgh International Airport.
The 193rd helped represent the Air National Guard in the
Constitution Bicentennial Grand Procession in Philadelphia on
September 17. Fifteen rain-soaked Guard members marched
in the nationally-televised parade.
The 193rd Softball Team finished a very respectable third in
the 22nd Annual Air National Guard Softball Tournament in
Savannah, Georgia during the month of August. Competing in
the Open Slow Pitch Division with 84 teams, the players finished with a record of seven wins and two losses.
The I 93rd ended 1987 by participating in two unclassified
and two classified exercises. For the ninth consecutive year,
the 193rd participated in Foal Eagle - a JCS-directed ,
CINCPAC-sponsored mission involving both U.S. and Korean
forces. Exercise Quick Force supported an electronic security
squadron operating out of Salt Lake City.

1988
With an assigned strength ofl,IOO members, the 193rd Special Operations Group announced numerous changes under a
newly-implemented management structure. Maj . Carl R.
Kostival assumed the military command of the 193rd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Lt. Col. David P. Witmer
became deputy commander of the Support Squadron and Lt.
Col. James O. Bemesderfer assumed the technician responsi.
bility of aircraft maintenance officer and the military position
of deputy commander of the Maintenance Squadron .
In February, Maj. Gen. Robert E. Harris, Commander of the
Pennsylvania Air National Guard, announced that the 193rd
was selected to receive an outstanding unit award for sClVice
between July I, 1986 and June 30, 1987. It was the fifth such
award presented to the unit.
It was back to exercise Team Spirit in March when 2S officers and 96 enlisted personnel deployed to Yokota Air Base,
Japan. It was the first time thaI the 193rd operated Team Spirit
from Yokota, near Tokyo. Previous exercises were based in
the Republic of South Korea.
Master Sgt. Richard W. Saylor, 193rd Special Operations
Group Assistant Fire Chief, was honored during the March unit
training assembly with a letter of commendation from the fire
chief of the city of York, Pa. Saylor, a full-time York fire fighter,
was cited for administering CPR that saved the life of a volunteer fire fighter at a structure fire.
Also in March, the unit's first aircrew became qualified for
in-flight refueling. The crew consisted of Lt. Col. W. Reed
Ernst and Maj. Robert LeDrew, instructor pilots; Maj. Dirk
Suereth and Maj . Dennis Goodling, navigators; Chief Master
Sgt. Thomas Lowe and Senior Master Sgt. Robert Jasinski, flight
engineers; and Senior Master Sgt. Allan Kapp and Master Sgt.
William Bickel, loadmasters.
In addition to the flyers, several aircraft maintainers were
given the responsibility of maintaining the in-flight refueling
equipment. Master Sgt. Robert Spaar, Master Sgt. Carl Weaver,
Tech. Sgt. Dennis Carter, Tech. Sgt. Donald Keeney and Staff

IIQ

Sgt. Jeffrey Arnold spent several days studying the necessary

system information.
Operating from two separate locations, a total of 70 193rd
SOG personnel and two EC-130Es participated in exercise Ocean
Venture ' 88 during the month of April. One detachment was
deployed to Homestead AFB, Fl., while the other detachment
deployed to Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico.
Ocean Venture was a joint-service exercise conducted every
other year in the United States, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic
Ocean. The exercise was used to demonstrate the availability of
the U.S . to project military power, when necessary, to protect
national interests by supporting friendly countries in the Caribbean Basin.
Late in April, the I 93rd sent 52 unit members and two EC130E aircraft to Europe to participate in exercise Flintlock ' 88
and sub-exercise Schwarzes Pferd. Flintlock was planned and
executed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the U.S. Readiness Command, U.S. European Command and NATO . The tolal exercise
involved more than 20,000 multi-national military troops from
each branch of service.
Once again Ihe role of the 193rd in the exercise was psychological operations in s upport of unconventional warfare operations . The 193rd and the 6th Psychological Operations Battalion , U.S. Army, worked with a German PSYOP unit. The 6th
POB produced tapes in a Gemlan production van which were
played during the 193rd Volant Solo nightly mission, which was
ass uming evening broadcast respons ibilities from a deployed
Navy transmitter. A separate flight to manage the 193rd's growing information system operations was established on May I.
Maj . Dean W. Oswald was named commander of the newly
formed Mission Support Flight that was responsible for all base
communications, computer, visual infom13tion and base-level
administrative functions.
A number of medical personnel from the 193rd Tactical Hospital were commended for their quick response to an automobile collision near Andrews Air Force Base on June 4. The

, -'

PaANG photo by 193rd Multimedia

Since its/ormation under the I 40th Aeromedical Transporlotion Squadron in 195 7. Ihe J93rd Medical Squadron has
been a staple o/the 193rd's IInit history. Above, members 0/
the 193rd MS parNcipote in a mock casualty exercise.

120

medi cal staff was performing their annual active duty training
at the base when they witnessed the mishap and immediately
went to the aid of several trapped victims by climbing under a
perimeter fence while other Guards members drove to the scene.
The commander of the Malcolm Grow U.S. Air Force Medical
Center at Andrews AFB commended 193rd members Col.
Lawrence Altaker, Capt. Michael Coleman, Master Sgt. Thomas Franklin, Master Sgt. Dennis Homiak, Master Sgt. John
Lytle, Tech. Sgt. Kandy Sowards, Tech . Sgt. Paul Thomas, Staff
Sgt. Jim Hepler, Staff Sgt. Fred Nesmith , Staff Sgt. Barry
Rhoades, Staff Sgt. Dan Zink, Sgt. Robert Stalnecker and Senior Airman Dawn Williams .
Later that month, the 193rd Tactical Hospital was presented
the Major General William D. Prescott Award in recognition of
the superior performance, service. training and mission accomplishment of its staff. The award was presented by Maj. Gen .
Gerald T. Sajer, the state adjutant general, at the Air National
Guard Medical Conference.
Two other awards were presented to 193rd members in June.
The National Guard Association of Pennsy lvania Photo Award
for the best color slide was presented to Tech . Sgt. David S.
Hawkins, 193rd SOG photographer. The winning slide was taken
during Exercise Team Spirit 1987.
Sgt. Kim Reese of the 193rd Air Force Band was presented
the John Levitow Award as the outstanding graduate of the first
Non-Commissioned Officer Preparatory Course. Another John
Levitow award was presented to Senior Airman Jack Mentzer
for obtaining the highest overall standing in a summer NCO
Preparatory School.
Two members of the 193rd SOG were elected to state National Guard Association officer and enlisted executive boards.
Maj . John Sehreckengaust, Chief of Safety, became First Vice
President of the National Guard Association of Pennsylvania.
Tech. Sgt. Michael Roth was named Vice President for Air of
the Pennsylvania National Guard Enlisted Association.
Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Batz, NCOIC of the 193rd Tactical
Hospital, implemented a new2-year Human Immune-deficiency
Virus (HIV) testing program in July. Under the program's guidelines. using monthly quotas, personnel would be tested for HIV
on a two year cycle.
On July 16, dedication ceremonies where held for a new Operations and Training Building, the Ground Support Equipment
Building and a memorial to 1st Lt. Robert H. Olmsted. Maj .
Gen. John B. Conaway, Director of the Air National Guard, was
one of many dignitaries and invited guests 'who participated in
dedication ceremonies which were held in conjunction with the
1988 Family Day.
The headquarters building construction, which began in
March 1987, was completed in July. The move to the S3,984,OOO
building took place during the first week of August.
The Ground Support Equipment building was used for maintenance and corrosion control of generators, air compressors,
air conditioners, portable lighting systems and starting units for
aircraft. The cost of the building was 5430,000.
Late in July, a detachment of65 193rd personnel participated
in the U.S. Central Command, joint-military operations exercise Gallant Eagle. Held every other year at the Fort Irwin

PaANG photo by Tech. Sgl. Bill Bloszinsky

As members ofthe "most deployed Guard unit in Ihe world, " 193rd personnel mils/ be prepared to dtparlwilhin hours ofnotificalion.

and Twenty-Nine Palms military area of Cali fomi a and Nevada,

the ability of each service is tasked to perform tactics in a desert
environment under simulated combat conditions . More than
50,000 military personnel were involved.
Two command changes were made mid-year. Maj. Jan C.
Hoffmaster, commander of the 193rd Weapons System Security Flight, was selected for a tour of dUl)! as the Chief of Security Police, Air National Guard Support Center, Andrews AFB.
Capt. Charles B. Reed was appointed the new flight commander.
Maj. Donald A. Bubb was selected as the base Civil Engineering Officer, filling a vacancy left when Lt. Col. John Griffin
retired.
The 193rd SOG was one of many multi-national North Atlantic Treaty Organization participants in Exercise Teamwork
'88 - an amphibious exercise conducted in northern Norway in
early September. Over 500 ships and 45,000 personnel took
part in the exercise.
The Chief of Allied Staffs, Rear Adm. F. J. Haver Droeze,
praised the professionalism of the 193rd personnel and expressed
his appreciation for the support provided by the unit for Teamwork '88.
"[The 193rd] assisted significantly in confronting neet commanders and operations with a realistic hostile environment,"
he said. "Their efforts resulted in valuable lessons being learned
by exercise participants. I look forward to your further participation in NATO exercises in our area."
Air National Guard members from throughout the state participated in the first Pennsylvania Air National Guard Flight of
Freedom ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap on September 18.
The purpose of the ceremony was to honor retired members who
have made outstanding contributions to the A ir National Guard.
Individuals, both living and deceased, who have made extraordinary or unique contributions to the mission ofthc Air Guard
were inducted into the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Hall

orFame. Maj. Gen. Richard B. Posey was honored as the first

inductee into the hall of fame.
Four teams representing the 193rd participated in the Northeast Regional Air National Guard Bowling Tour in October in
New York State. The team of Senior Airman Kathy Brillhart,
Master Sgt. Dennis Brillhart, StaffSgt. Kathy Suhr and David
Suhr took first place in the team event, winning the Challenge
trophy.
October 22 and 23, the Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team came to town for the annual Pennsylvania International Air Show at Harrisburg International Airport. The J 93rd
provided ramp and hangar space, a briefing room, flight planning assistance, maintenance, equipment and vehicles for the
Blue Angels team.
For the air show, the men and women of the 193rd developed a military static display plan for all military aircraft, parked
visiting display aircraft. provided a staging area for vehicles
and expanded the show area to part of our Air National Guard
facility.
From October 26 to November 9, it was off to another exercise, this time Foal Eagle '88 . Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel were deployed to Suwon Air Base, Republic of
Korea, for a large-scale air, land and sea training. During Foal
Eagle, Volant Solo crews provided more than 20 hours ofbroadcast coverage for the exercise.
The annual 193rd Dining Out was held on October 29.
Speakers for the event where Lt. Gen. (retired) Robert D.
Springer, former Vice Commander-in-Chief of Military Airlift
Command, and former Soviet MIG-25 fighter pilot, Viktor I.
Belenko.
Belenko related his experiences in the Russian Air Force as
well as his daring flight from Soviet air space to Japan where
he sought political asylum.
In the month of November, Tech. Sgt. Mike Catlin, a mem-

121

ber of the I 93rd Special Operations Squadron, took second place

in a Psychological Operations Tournament held at the world-

wide Special Operations Conference in Florida. Catlin competed among other top U.S. Special Forces unit members in the
intense PSYOPS question and answer quizzing.

1989
In January of 1989, Lt. Col. Ernest W. Brough received a
special certificate from the National Guard Bureau congratulating him on his outstanding marksmanship and leadership quali-

ties. Brough led the unit's marksmanship team for several years,
during which it consistently received top honors. Later in the
year, a 193rd SOG team, led by Lt. Col. Brough, took top honors for the third year in a row in the Pennsylvania Adjutant
General's Marksmanship Competition .
A team from the 193rd SOG garnered second place in the
first annual worldwide Psychological Operations Planning Tournament. Team members included Maj. Larry W. Foreman, Capt.
George R. Hurd, Capt. Michael W. Brough, Capt. Eric G. Weller,
and Tech. Sgt. Michael B. Canin.
Once again a contingent of I 93rd SOG personnel deployed
to suppon Exercise Flowing Pen. Detachment Commander lohn
S. Schreckengaust and Project Officer Dennis R. Goodling repen'ed that all missions were flown successfully .
During January and February more than 3,000 Anny and Air
Force personnel were involved in Exercise Jaguar Bite '89. This
United States Special Operations Command-directed exercise
was designed to evaluate the operational efficiency of
USSOCOM command organizations, command and control of
special operations forces and joint communications
interoperability. Jaguar Bite was used by several organizations.
including the 193rd SOG, as an Operational Readiness Inspection.
Two EC-130E Volant Solo aircraft, associated support equipment and 128 personnel deployed to fort Campbell Army Air
f ield, Kentucky under the command of Col. W. Reed Ernst.
HOIL (W" TH

~l'" sKCtll Of'(IIA TJlIjS

t;ROtI'

PaANG photo by 193rd Multimedia

Outjilled in/u/l chemica/warfare gear, a member 0/ the

/93rd Security PoUce Flight awaits his opponent's next move
during a unit operational readiness inspection.

122

Achieving a perfect score by flying eight of eight planned sorties with no delays or cancellations, the unit 4'watered the eyes"
of inspectors, prompting inspection team chief Col. Gary B. Koch
to state, "There were no findings other than laudatory documented in this inspection." Due to the hard work and professionalism of everyone involved, the 193rd SOG received an overall outstanding rating for its first ORI in many years. The 193rd
SOG is one of the few Air National Guard units ever to receive
an outstanding during an ORI.
While unit aircraft flew missions out of fort Campbell,
PRIME R1BS and PRIME BEEf units performed at severallocations at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Maj. Donald A.
Bubb commanded this detachment of II 0 personnel. The 193rd
Weapons System Security flight was deployed to Pope Air Force
Base, North Carolina and was singled-out as a shining example
of the dedication and commitment shown by the entire unit. In
particular, Senior Master Sgt. Wallace S. Wiestling and Tech.
Sgt. Thomas D. McGuirk were identified as WSSF outstanding
performers.
One of the primary areas in which the 193rd SOG excelled
was chemical warfare. The long hours of preparation led by
Master Sgt. Michael S. Chalk paid offwhen personnel were tested
with simulated chemical weapons attacks. The inspection learn
noted that the 193rd SOG gave a performance that exceeded
that of any other unit, active or reserve.
In february, the 553rd Air Force Band lost to retirement its
longtime director Lt. Col. Jere W. Friday. His replacement, Tech.
Sgt. Patrick M. Jones, was selected and commissioned as a second lieutenant after attending the Academy of Military Science
at McGhee-Tyson AFB in Knoxville, Tennessee.
An era came to a close when the unit's last remaining World
War II veteran retired in lanuary. Chief Master Sgt. Dennis R.
Morgan, having served his country for more than 35 years, was
honored with a special presentation during the February Unit
Training Assembly.
Patch Barracks, West Germany was host to Exercise Wintex!
Cimex '89. The Command Post Exercise, coordinated by PSy
chological Operations Command, Europe, included 16 personnel from the 193rd SOG. The detachment commander, Col. W.
Reed Ernst, declared the mission a complete success, adding
that inclusion of a non-stop flight from Harrisburg to Germany
using unit aircraft equipped with in-flight refueling capability
gave the mission an added bit of realism.
In March, Maj . Jan C. Hoffmaster was selected to be the Air
National Guard Chief of Security Police. Hoffmaster, commander of the 193rd Weapon System Security flight, also left
his civilian job with the Pennsylvania State Police in order to
move to the Air National Guard Support Center at Andrews AFB,
Maryland.
Group Commander Adolph P. "Ace" Hearon led a detachment of 127 personnel to Yokota Air Base, Japan for Exercise
Team Spirit '89. Four unit aircraft-two Volant Solos, one Comfi
Levi and onc slick-departed Harrisburg in early March. Utilizing in-flight refueling, the deployment took the "great circle
route" from Harrisburg to Alaska to lapan. By using its airrefueling capabilities. the unit was able to shave several days
from past unit deployment and redeployment records.

The 193rd was tasked to fly three missions per day supporting both Psychological Operations and Comfi Levi. Air refueling was used on many missions and no sorties were lost. Eric
Conrad, a reporter from the Harrisburg PatriotNews, covered

the entire trip in the local press, traveling with the unit from
start to finish.
Special Assistant to the Commander, Headquarters, Pennsylvania Air National Gu",d, Col. Donald V. "Dee Vee" Snyder,
retired in April. Col. Snyder, former 193rd Special Operations
Group Deputy Commander for Resources, had served in the

military for more than 39 years.

AIso in April, the first of the new STU-Ill secure telephones
arrived on base. For the first time, offices equipped with STU
Ills were able to confer classified information via telephone
with any other office possessing a similar device. The STU-Ill
replace a single antiquated line that formerly provided secure
communications to the 193rd.

For the second year in a row, the 193rd SOG received top
honors for the best unit functional areas. Maj. Gen. Robert E.
Harris, Commander of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard,
presented the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Unit Effectiveness Award to our commander, Col. Adolph P. Hearon.
Former Commander of the 193rd Resource Management
Squadron, Lt. Col. Gerald J. Julian, was named the new Deputy
Commander for Resources. Replacing Julian as RMS Com~
mander was Lt. Col. Thomas D. Bartowski.
In May, the Pennsylvania National Guard Enlisted Association honored Master Sgt. Robert D. Jackson as the Base Career
Advisor of the Year.
Long time 193rd SOG chaplain, Lt. Col. Warren R. Solberg,
retired in May stating, "The 193rd has truly been a family to
me. Thanks for the memories."
Nearly 43,000 active and reserve forces from all services
participated in Atlantic Command Exercise Solid Shield '89.
Designed to simulate military aClions between opposing air,
land, and sea forces, Solid Shield included air and airborne assault operations. amphibious operations. anti-air. anti-surface
and anti-submarine warfare tactics, mine laying and countermeasures, port breakout, harbor defense and port security operations, non-combatant evacuation operations, live fire exercises, medical operations and psychological operations.
The 193rd flew 14 sorties from home station at HIA, using
one EC-130E Volant Solo and one EC-130E Comfi Levi.
Project officer, Lt. Col. George Meyer, stated that most sorties
were flown as a part of daily training operations. The efficient
use of resources helped make Solid Shield a resounding success.
Chief Master Sgt. William H. Phile retired in May after 42
years of military service. Group Commander Ace Hearon presented him with a plaque from the Air National Guard during a
special ceremony at the May Group Staff Meeting.
Also during the month of May, the unit participated in a bicoastal deployment in support of Strategic Air Command Exercise Buccaneer Sword '89. One EC-130E Volant Solo deployed to Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, while another Solo flew missions out of Portland International Airport,
Oregon. Maj . Dirk M. Suereth served as mission coordinator

PaANG photo by 193rd Multimedia

A 19Jrd Sf guards thejlightline during a unit operational

readiness inspection.

and West Coast mission commander, while Maj . Robert "Pepe"

Ledrew acted as East Coast mission commander.
Responding to a plea in Airman's World magazine asking
for clothing for Jason's House, a cancer treatment program for
children, the 193rd Tactical Hospital collected and sent clothing to the home at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The hospilal
reccived hearty thanks from Maj. Thomas H. Buchanan, commander of the 73rd Tactical Control Squadron at Myrtle Beach
Air Porce Base who was coordinating the clothing drive.
The National Guard Association of Pennsylvania honored
the Scope as the best Air National Guard newspaper in the state.
Eighty-five members of the 193rd Civil Engineering Squadron,led by Maj . Donald A. Bubb, deployed to Eglin Air Force
Basc, Florida in June. There they conducted training including
rapid runway repair, chemical warfare defense, securi!y, force
bcddown, surveying, explosive ordinance reconnaissance and
command and control.
Twenty-four member.; ofthe 193rd Tactical Hospital, along
with 20 Pennsylvania Anny National Guard pe"",nnel, deployed
to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras in June. Clinic personnel
provided humanitarian medical care to over 1.100 native Hondurans in two separate villages. Additional tasking included
medical coverage for Vice-President Dan Quayle during his visit
to Honduras.
Capt. Lorena M. Charles assumed command of the newly
recognized 193rd Services Flight in July. Aligned under the
Civil Engineering Squadron, Services consisted of 34 personnel perfonning duties in the areas of mortuary affairs, base bil
leting/laundry, food services management, PRIME RIBS, base
dining facility and services operations.
Unit aircrews received an excellent rating during the aircrcw
standards evaluation conducted in July. The rating, combined
with the recent outstanding rating achieved on the unit ORI, highlighted the 193rd SOG as one of the top units in the Air Force.
The 193rd Communications Flight deployed to Myrtle Beach
Air Foree Base, South Carolina in July for Collateral Operating
Base Training. The exereise consisted of one week of classroom work and five days of deployment, followed by a rede-

123

ployment in a simulated COB environment. Personnel braved

Tech. Sgt. Fred Lang completed a mural ofan EC-130E Volextreme heat, humidity and poisonous snakes 10 make the most
ant Solo being refueled by a KC-I 0 tanker on the back wall of
of their training experience.
the "blue room," the I 93rd Special Operations Squadron briefThe 193rd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
ing room. To this day, Lang's artwork can be seen all over the
hosted the first wedding ever performed at the 193rd SOG faunit, with most buildings displaying at least one of his creations.
cilities on July 16. Sgt. Kelly A. Marcum and Jeffery Case exMembers ofthe 193rd SOG constructed a 118 scale C-130 to
changed vows in the fuel cell hangar in the presence of over 300
serve as parade float. Soon after its creation, the Mini-lJO
began to attract crowds at local malls and shopping areas-provmilitary personnel and 40 guests. Chaplain Robert A. Nissley
performed the ceremony while the 553rd Air Force Band Brass
ing to be a great tool for unit recruiters.
The 193rd Special Operations Group reached an aviation
Quintet provided accompaniment.
milestone in November when it surpassed 125,000 accident
On August I, Col. Lawrence f. Santerini succeeded Brig.
free flying hours. In 33 years of flying (and flying numerous
Gen. Hearon as Commander of the 193rd Special Operations
different aircraft) the unit has maintained its unblemished record.
Group. Col. Santcrini, who served two tours of dul)' in Southeast Asia, was the former commander of the 112th Tactical
In December, Master Sgt. John P. Hoffman became the first
Fighter Group located in Pittsburgh.
Air National Guard historian to have a unit history report rated
as outstanding by the National Guard Bureau. The honored
In September, two EC-130E Volant Solos, one slick and 62
Guard members flew to RAP Mildenhall in the United Kingreport covered the period from July to December t 988.
dom for the joint NATO maritime Eercise Sharp Spear '89. Crews
flew eight air-refueled sorties in support of operations in the
North Sea and Baltic Sea. Mission commander, Lt. Col. Derle
M. Snyder stated that the efforts of the 193rd SOG were recogIn t 990, base historian, Master Sgt. John P. HotTman, re
nized by the Air Commanders of the Channel Command and
ceived the first outstanding rating ever awarded by the Air NaEastern Atlantic Fleet.
tional Guard office. From that point, the 193rd History Office
Despite overcast skies, the Harrisburg International Airport
has been used as a model for other guard units.
Air Show went on as scheduled with record crowds in attenIn May of 1990, the 193rd was repositioned under its new
dance. The U.S. Air Force Thundcrbirds provided aerial demgaining command: Air Force Special Operations Command .
onstrations while many static displays, including a 8-18 bomber,
AFSOC, based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, was created as the
thrilled the crowds with close encounters using the latest miliAir Force element under U.S. Special Operations Command-a
tary and civilian aircraft technology. Volant Solo and Senior
command formed as a result ofa failed attempt to rescue U.S.
Hunter also drew large crowds as static displays manned by unit
hostages in the Middle East in 1980. The 193rd soon became a
members.
well-respected addition to such elite units as the Navy SEALS,
Maj . Donald A. Bubb led the 193rd Civil Engineering Squadthe Army Rangers and the Air Force Combat Control Team.
ron to Fort Indiantown Gap in October for bivouac training.
The 193rd Securil)' Police Flight was the first Air National
Weekend training included heavy equipment operation and rapid
Guard security police unit to arrive in Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.
runway repair. Unit personnel were joined by a large contingent of members from the III th Civil Engineering Squadron
Early in the year, Volant Solo and Comfi Levi aircraft de
out of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
ployed to the Republic of South Kore.. Japan, Panama, Puerto
In October, the unit held an annual dining out at the Holiday
Inn in Mechanicsburg. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air force
James C. Binnicker was the guest speaker. Binnicker's remarks
addressed the need to become a "complete individual" and the
importance of the Guard's most precious resource: it's personnel. President of the mess was Senior Master Sgt. Thomas A.
Lowe. Entertainment was provided by Spectrum, the U.S. Air
force combo.
Foal Eagle '89 was ajoint Republic of KorealUnited States
Joint Chiefs of Staff-sponsored Special Operations and rear area
battlefield training exercise. One EC-130E Volant Solo deployed
,

y
with 50 unit members to support the exercise. Mission Com
mander, Lt. Col. James L. Zambo, noted that during one mission, a real-world situation diverted the aircraft to assist in the
search and rescue of a Taiwanese freighter. Solo was the first
aircraft on the scene.
The 193rd received S125,000 as part of its recognition as the
PaANG photo by Tech. Sgt. Bill BIO$zinsky
winner of the 1989 Energy Conservation Award. The money
While
serving
;n
Operation
Desert Slorm, unil members
was slated to build both a picnic pavilion and Base Exchange
facilities with construction to begin in early 1990.
were exposed to the local culture o/Saudi Arabia.

1990

124

... NO

ENTRY

PaANG photo by Tech. Sgt. Bill Bloszinsky

A 193rdSpecial Opera/ions Group C-J 30 "sUck ll shares lhej1ight/ine with a U.S. Army "Cobra" during Opera/ion Desert Storm.
Rico and several locations both overseas and within the con-

tinental United States.

The unit, along with the city of York, co-hosted the 25th
Annual Air National Guard Softball Tournament. By the end of
July. a record 163 softball teams registered for the tournament.

During that same year, the unit hosted the Annual Air National
Guard Airlift Conference. Three-hundred fifty people registered

for the conference.

By August, plans for both the tournament and the conference
became less ora priority. The country of Iraq, Jed by Saddam
Hussein, invaded Kuwait. Within weeks, the airlift conference
was canceled, softball teams started to withdraw from the tournament and the unit's remaining exercise schedule was canceled
for the remainder of the year.
The softball tournament finally went on with 99 teams, but,
mid-way through the tournament, the 193rd was deployed to
Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield which continued
throughout the remainder of 1990.
The 193rd Tactical Hospital canceled a training deployment
to Alpena National Guard Base in order to fill in for active duty
personnel from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina deployed to the desert.
In late November, the United Nations Security Council demanded that Iraq withdraw all troops from Kuwait by January
15 ofthe following year. By the end ofthe operation, the 193rd,
with the overwhelming support of unit members, their families
and employers, was able to support the entire mission using volunteers in a non-mobilized status with periodic rotations of personne!.

1991
As the final days of 1990 waned to a close, events in the
Persian Gulfcaused the 193rd's operations tempo in the opening days of 1991 to escalate. For five months, the I 93rd supported wartime preparations by rotating volunteers on 30 to 40
tours through the region . In early January, the unit was tasked

to deploy additional airframes and support personnel to a second location. Five months ofvoluntary troop rotations had taken
a toll and the unit was partially mobilized in February 1991 for
the first time since the Korean War.
Volant Solo was the sale aerial broadcast platfonn deployed
to the Gulfand was used extensively throughout the region. The
I 93rd SOG transmitted ' Voice of the Gulf' and other psychological operations broadcasts in direct support of the Allied air
campaign. Directed at the Iraqi army, messages of desertion
and surrender coupled with the Combined PSYOP LeafletIBombing Campaign resu lted in the surrender of thousands of Iraqi
soldiers. When questioned, many Iraqi prisoners of war indicated that these broadcasts were a deciding factor in their decision to surrender, proving the effectiveness and value ofPSYOP
broadcasts.
On March 20, the unit celebrated a homecoming when the
last of the mission airplanes arrived back in Middletown. The
airplane performed a fly-by and then taxied to the front of the
main hangar where Governor Robert Casey, Maj. Gen. Gerald
T. Sajer, State Adjutant General, and Maj. Gen. Robert E. Harris, Commander. PaANG were among the several hundred people
who turned out to welcome home the troops.
The official unit we lcome home was celebrated with a Yel ~
low Ribbon Retirement Ceremony on the April 7 unit training
assembly . Among the more than 1,000 people in attendance
were Congressman Robert Walker and Congressman William
Goodling; Maj. Gen. Thomas Eggers, Commander of Air Force
Special Operations Command; Maj . Gen. Robert E. Harris;
Mayor Robert Reid of Midd letown; Rose Marie Mielke, author
of the poem "Let Freedom Ring"; family members; employers
of Guard members and area Vietnam veterans.
In addition to welcoming home 193rd personnel, Mayor Reid
officially welcomed home Vietnam veterans. Col. Santerini retired the base Yellow Ribbon assisted by Tech. Sgt. Russell
Howell, the first 193rd member on the ground in Saudi Arabia
and Tech. Sgt. Lany Fischer, the last 193rd member to return
home from the desert.

125

There were several other notable highlights during 1991. In

february , while flying a combat mission in Southwest Asia, the

193rd anained 130,000 hours of accident free flying, a safety
record the unit started 35 years earlier.
During the July UTA, Col. Santerini officiated the opening
ceremony as The Anny and Air Force Exchange Service opened
a base exchange at the 193rd.
In September, the 193rd Security Police Flight was awarded
the Outstanding Air National Guard Seeurity Police Unit for 1990

and garnered second place in the USAF competition.

The annual National Guard Associations ofthe United States

convention in Hawaii was the setting for the 193rd's receipt of

the Rusty Metcalf Trophy for demonstrating the highest standards of mission accomplishment. During the convention, the
193rd was also inducted into the NGA US Legion de Lafayenothe highest recognition by the Historical Society of the Militia

and National Guard, reserved for those who make major contri-

PaANG photo by Slatt Sgt. Pam ZkJlk

Security police from the 193rd SPF monilor daily operations during a 1992 deploymenllo Hondorus.

butions to the work of the Historical Society.

Through a significant fund raising effort during the summer

of 1991, the 193rd raised SIO,OOO for the Multiple Sclorosis
Society.

In November, the unit was notified that it had been awarded

its sixth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally
meritorious service during 1989 and 1990.
Lengthy deployments to support Desert Storm did not impede the unit's normally busy deployment schedule. More than
100 unit personnel deployed to the Republic of South Korea for
Exercise Foal Eagle.
The 193rd Security Police Flight deployed to the Caribbean
to provide security during several joint exercises while the mem-

bers of the 193rd Tactical Hospital successfully completed an

Inspector General inspection and deployed to Alpeana, Michigan for annual training.
The unit saw several changes and additions to the base during the year. A new entrance and guardhouse were constructed

to efficiently control traffic flow and enhance security. December saw two additional Slick" C- J30s on the ramp, bringing

our total complement 10 10. These two "new" airplanes were

slated for future conversion to the EC130 "Volant Solo" con
figuration .

1992
The SS3rd Air Force Band perfonned before SSO guests for

a New Year's Eve reception at the officer's club at Hurlburt

Field, Florida. The annual event, hosted by Hurlburt's base

commander, was organized in an effort to promote goodwill

and cooperation between the Air Force and the civilian com
munity.
Three days into the new year, however, the 193rd began
"business as usual" with 30 members of the 193rd Security

193rd SPF assumed command responsib ility for security and

were integrated with 40 members of the Alabama Army Na

tional Guard.
Only three days into the deployment, tragedy struck the

193rd. While on a patrol. one of the Hum Vee's, occupied by

193rd member StaffSgt. Ricky L. Yiengst, was involved in an
accident. Ricky was critically injured and later died. Despite
the loss of a close friend and dedicated member of the 193rd
SPF, the deployment continued until January 19 when the unit
returned home.
January was a time to celebrate for Master Sgt. James L.
Buffington. a crewmember with the 193rd Special Operations
Squadron . Buffington was selected 193rd SOG Air
Crewmember of the Year for 1990.
Lt. Col. Derle M. Snyder, 193rd SOS Commander, said,

"Master Sergeant Buffington distinguished himselfby his abili

ties as an airman that far exceeded what is expected. He has
earned the greatest tribute., ,the respectofhis fellow crewmembers,"
Buffington volunteered and deployed twice for Operation
Desert Shield, twice for Desert Stonn and served as a Mission

Control Chief and as the NCOIC of mission crewmembers.

To commemorate Desen Stonn. National Guard magazine
sponsored an article-writing contest. Of the articles submitted
to the judges, five appeared in the January 1992 yearbook edition of the periodical.
Among the articles chosen was one written by Tech. Sgt.
John R. Stoner of the 193rd Security Police Flight. His submission, a story entitled "You're In Good Hands with the 193rd
SPF," dealt with the challenges faced by 193rd members in a

wartime environment. Stoner's article appeared in the maga

Fuertes Caminos '92. The unit's mission was to provide com

pound perimeter patrol along with resource and off-base con
voy protection. The assignment was in support of Joint Task
Force lOS, a roadbuilding operation in Honduras.

zine along with three color photos of the flight in action.

Blue Flag 92-1, a command postexercise in which the 193rd
often participates, was conducted January 14 to January 23,
1992 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. During the scenario, the 193rd
was tasked with broadcasting psychological operations programs; providing mutual support for compass Call and Raven

The compound of Las Delesias covered 43 acres of rugged

assets; relaying search and reSCue messages; and monitoring

Police Flight deploying to Honduras in support of Operation

126

terrain and required extensive use of Hum Vee vehicles. The

enemy broadcasts.
Shortly aner Exercise Blue Flag ended, Exercise Flowing Pen
'92 called 45 unit personnel to Howard Air Force Base, Panama
to participate in a Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed exercise, From
January 17 to February 16, the 193rd flew missions in the Central American theater of operation. for the first time in the unit's
history, 40 percent of the total employment hours were flown
using air-to-air refueling. Thanks to the dedication to the 193rd's
operations, maintenance and support personnel, each of the assigned 13 missions was successfully completed.
In March, two Volant Solo and one Senior Hunter aircraft
deployed for RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom to begin the
two-week NATO-sponsored exercise entitled Teamwork '92.
The mission of the unit was to jam command and control links,
HFIUHF data links and airborne aircraft.
The second phase of Teamwork '92 tasked 193rd aircraft and
members to deploy to Main Air Station Sola, Norway. Once
again, the 193rd played a great training role for the U.S. Navy
and other NATO participants.
In March, the 193rd SOG was nominated for the National
Guard Association's Spaatz Trophy for the fourth time. The
nomination package cited the unit for its participation in Desert
Shield and Desert Storm with its one-of-a-kind special operations mission.
May was the month the 193rd celebrated its 45th anniversary. A unit reunion was held May 9 at the Penn Harris Inn and
Convention Center where members, both past and present, gathered to discuss old times as well as the future of the unit.
The celebration began late in the afternoon with a display of
memorabilia and a speciaJ video production that consisted of a
collection of old movies, still photographs and new videos. The
after-dinner speaker was Lt. Col. George Gray Ill. Senior Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense. Music for
the evening was provided by "High Flight," a show-group attached to the Air Force Band.

'

. ..

Staff Sgt . Pam Zidik

A policeman/rom the /93rd SPF mans a 60-caliber
machine gun in Hondorlts. SPsfrom the 193rd are Irained 10
use several types o/weapons as well as 10 perform dillies in a
variety 0/ environments around the world
PaANG phOto by

Springtime was "award time" once again for the 193rd. In

addition to winning military awards. the 193rd received an award
from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. During a
Safety Belt Award Luncheon on May 8, the unit was presented
with an award citing the contributions its members made taward the use of safety belts. The award was associated with the
national goal of reaching a 70 percent or more seat belt usage
rate in a recent spot check by PennDoT. Senior Master Sgt.
John Kuntz, Occupational Safety and Health Manager, accepted
the award on the unit's behalf.
The 193rd Services Flight was presented the coveted
Hennessy Award as the best large dining facility in the Air National Guard category. The trophy is an annual award presented
to Air Force installations in various categories having the best
food service program in the U.S. Air Force. Judges look for
excellence in management effectiveness, force readiness support, food quality, member and customer relations, resource
conservation, training and safety awareness. Accepting the award
in Chicago were Lt. Col. E. Thomas Kuhn , Deputy Commander
of Services; Capt. Loretta Charles, Services Flight Commander;
and SF members Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Hrobak, Master Sgt.
Ramon Cataldi, Master Sgt. Kenney Souders, Master Sgt. lohn
Taylor and Tech. Sgt. Tyrone Mitchell.
In June, it was announced that the 193rd won the Major General John J. Pesch Flying Safety Award. The Pesch Award identifies units which have distinguished themselves in flight safety.
The 193rd SOG has a history of over 35 years and 133,000 flying hours without a major accident, despite the complexities of
the Volant Solo and Senior Scout missions in both exercise and
real world situations.
Tech. Sgt. Linda L. Heckman was installed as a charter member of the Women in Military Service Memorial Register. In
addition to her 12 years of service in the Air National Guard,
Tech. Sgt. Heckman also served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S.
Naval Reserve. A military highlight of the Special Operations
Squadron's administrative .specialist was her service in Desert
ShieldlDesert Storm.
The summer of 1992 was a busy one for the 553rd Air Force
Band. As a "thank you" to Lebanon County communities for
their support during Shield and Storm, the 553rd provided an
instruction and ensemble clinic in instrumental music at Lebanon Catholic High School. Members ofthe band conducted the
clinic during their annual training. which meant they also had to
perform at 15 concerts in 14 different Pennsylvania cities. 1st
Lt. Patrick Jones, band commander, reported that 75 students
participated in the clinic.
On July 16, the 193rd Tactical Hospital was redesignated the
193rd Medical Squadron ... a long way from the days when the
medical unit was known as the "dispensary" and the "clinic."
Commanded by Lt. Col. Michael O. Daniels, the squadron was
comprised of 50 enlisted personnel and 23 officers.
July ended in celebration as a new generation of Volant Solo
aircraft arrived. On July 29 at 9:30 a.m., a throng of guests, unit
members, family members and the media representatives gathered to greet Aircraft 63-9817. Volant Solo II . It was coming
home after a 3-year, $35 million modification at Lockheed Aircraft Service, Ontario, California.

For the first timet Volant Solo was equipped with the one-ofa-kind capability of broadcasting world wide color television
anywhere in the world. A self-protection capability in the form
of infrared jammer and chaft7flare dispensers was also added.
The additional capabilities represented an increase in the already
formidable weapon system which was so successfully demonstrated during the Gulf War.
The second Annual Gulf Scramble GolfTournament was held
July 30 in which 34 teams participated and raised over S I0,000.
Some of the money was donated to the Kids Kastle Playground
planned for Hoffer Park in Middletown.
The 27th Annual Air National Guard Softball Tournament
was held during the month of August in Phoenix, Arizona. The
193rd Women's Team captured a fifth place trophy while the
Men's 35 and Over team snared a third place trophy.
It was back to work later in August as the unit participated in
the command post exercise Blue Flag '92-4. Phase one of Blue
Flag provided Ihe participants with a scenario of a U.S. SoutHern Command-led crisis action response and movement of forces
in Central and South America. Phase two followed with the
forward battle conflict during which the 193rd flew simulated
Volant Solo and Senior Scout missions.
Green Flag '92-5 was another August exercise at Nellis AFB,
Nevada designed as a training simulation of strike operations
which include our electronic countenneasures.
On September 19, Aircraft 63-7783 was the one to reach an
accumulated 135,000 accident-free flying hours for the 193rd,
(That equates to flying continuously, 24 hours a day, for 5,625
days.)
October was a month to honor unit members, Air National
Guard members from through out Pennsylvania participated in
the fifth Flight of Freedom Ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap
on October 4, The ceremony was designed to honor state Air
Guard units and individuals who have made extraordinary or
unique contributions to the Air National Guard. Deceased members were also remembered. During the ceremony. the 193rd
received its sixth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for achieve
ments in 1989 and 1990.
Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer of the Year awards
were given to 193rd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members Chief Master Sgt. Robert D. Johnson and Tech .
Sgt. Darrel R. Fritzinger.
Chief Master Sgt. John F. Weiger, a fonner administrative
supervisor, was posthumously inducted into the Pennsylvania
Air National Guard Hall of Fame.
Another individual with a long record service in the Air Guard
was honored. A military career spanning nearly 39 years came
to an end with a retirement ceremony October 24 for Maj. Gen.
Robert E. Harris, Deputy Adjutant General for Air and Commanderofthe Pennsylvania Air National Guard. A fonner 193rd
commander, Harris logged over 6,500 flying hours and participated in operations ranging from Commando Buzz to Operation
Just Cause.
October was also Ihe monlh in which the 193rd participated
in Foal Eagle 192, a combined exercise which supported both
the Republic of South Korea and the U.S. Anny's Psychological Operations Group. The 193rd broadcast programmed mate-

128

rial from the Volant Solo aircraft. The operation took unit mem
bers to Kadena Air Base, Japan and Osan Air Base, Republic of
South Korea. Other unit members deployed to Osan to aug
ment base units such as the fuel cell, security police, PRIME
RIBS and the base hospital.
Because of the many deployments in which the 193rd is
called to participate, a Family Support Group was established
in October of 1992 to provide education, information and a
support network for families and spouses of Guard members.
The established purpose of the Family Support Group was to
do whatever became necessary to help the families and spouses
of unit members to continue their normal routine with minimal
disruption while their family member is deployed. Carol Ann
Frey selVed as the group's first president. Other unit charter
members included Marti Etzel, Betsy Snyder, Dee Finck, Barb
Ebersole and Marcia Jackson.
The year ended just as it had begun ... Guard members helping Guard members. Earlier in the year, Hurricane Andrew
had devastated the lives of members and families of the 125th
Fighter Group Alert Detachment, Florida Air National Guard,
Homestead Air Force Base.
Collections for the hurricane victims were received from unit
members and organizations as well as from the 271st Combat
Communications Squadron and the 211th Engineer and Instal
lalion Squadron at Fort Indaintown Gap. Donations, which totaled $1 ,300, were sent to the florida Air Guard for distribu
tion.

1993
Changes in leadership marked the beginning of 1993. Brig.
Gen . Robert G. Chrisjohn assumed the command of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard on January 11 following the retirement of Maj . Gen. Robert Harris.
On February 6, Col. W. Reed Ernst assumed command of
the 193rd from Col. Lawrence Santerini. A Camp Hill-native
and member of the 193rd since 1970, Ernst served in numerous
capacities including pilot, flight examiner, Chief of Standard
izedlEvaluation, ChiefofTraining, Operations Squadron Commander and Deputy Commander of Operations.
"I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been chosen
the commander of the I 93rd Special Operations Group," Ernst
said upon assuming command. "This is the best organization
to which anyone could wish to belong. I have probably been
on an exercise or contingency with over 80 percent of our people
and they are all outstanding individuals."
On February I I, 5 I officers and 226 enlisted personnel took
part in Operation Beyond Duty '93 at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
Unit members were rotated a total of seven times and a total of
107 sorties were flown . The purpose of the real world deployment was to assist several other Air Force units by carrying the
Senior Scout electronic mission.
February is not a time when most northerners are thinking
about softball, but the 193rd was in 1993. The unit's softball
team sponsored a Valentine's Day Dance on February 13 in the
Dining Hall. A disc jockey provided a relatively new fad:
karaoke.
.

After years ofsecrecy, the mission o/the 19Jrd was finally

(partially) de-classified in 1993. Hue Tech. Sgt. Michael

Kovach explains an operating procedure in one of the first

unclassified photos laken aboard Commando Solo.
The term "total quality management" was heard quite frequently around the unit early in 1993. Col. Ernst appointed Lt.
Col. Charles Barry and Maj. Robert Troisi as TQM Advisors
for the unit with the responsibility for developing and implementing the 193rd Quality Plan.
Aircraft of the 193rd appeared twice in the annual Air National Guard Planning Guide calendar. The month of June featured an EC-130E flying over the desert of Saudi Arabia during
Operation Desert Storm. The September feature photo showed
an EC-130E being "ai r-to-air refueled" by Pittsburgh's 171st
Air Refueling Wing. With only 12 months in one year, it was
an honor for the unit to be recognized for two of those months.
After years of opera.ting under the cloak of secrecy, the story
of the 193rd's mission was slowly being revealed through several national military periodicals. In an article appearing in the
February 1993 Airman magazine, "Never Seen, Always Heard,"
by Cpt. Janice M. Morrow touched on some of the secrets of
the unit's real-world mission. The article focused on the unit's
one-of-a-kind mission of broadcasting psychological operation
messages over radio frequencies and television channels. The
author also disclosed that, as a secondary mission, the unit is
capable of broadcasting emergency messages during local, state,
national and world requirements as well as limited information
gathering. Also covered were the highlights of the 193rd's participation in Desert Shield and Desert Storm where the unit "shot
electrons ... not bullets."
The March 1993 issue of the National Guard magazine On
Guard, featured an article about the 193rd SOG and its long
mission affiliation with PSYOPS. Entitled "Living History: The
193rd Special Ops Group," Kathleen A. Keane wrote a brief
unit history then expanded to the current PSYOPS mission which
began in 1967. The author also wrote ofthe purpose ofPSYOPS
and its achievements which reached full expectation in Desert
Storm. During Desert Storm, the surrender of thousands of
Iraqi troops was attributed to the use of PSYOPS radio broadcasts and Ihe dropping of leaflets - both with which the 193rd

was involved to a great extent.

The Journal oj Military Aviation chose the 193rd as the subject of an article for publication in their May-June 1993 issue.
The article, "The Quiet Professionals-Special Operations at
Harrisburg," written by David F. Brown, also provided a brief
history ofthe unit which touched on the use ofPSYOPS in Thailand in 1970, Operations Urgent Fury (1983). Just Cause (1990)
and Desert Storm (1991).
In preparation for a book entitled, "The Real Heroes: Special Operations Command," author Randy Jolly used two Solo
aircraft as the subjects ofan aerial photography spread. On March
I. Jolly photographed Solo in flight over the Gettysburg battlefield. Three Mile Island and the state capitol.
Then. on April I and 2. members of the British Broadcasting
Corporation videotaped the air-to-air refueling of an EC-130E
by the 171st Air Refueling Group.
After years of secrecy, the spotlight was finally shown on the
unit's members and their mission.
April and May were very active deployment months. Flowing Pen '93 began on April 10 with one 193rd Senior Hunter
aircraft and 39 members deploying to Howard Air Force Base,
Panama. The exercise was a Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed electronic mission working with the active forces from CINCSOUTH
Command.
April 23 to 25, the 193rd proved to be affable entertainers
when the unit hosted the 1993 Pennsylvania National Guard As
sociation Conference in Gettysburg. The threeday conference
featured executive meetings,joint discussions, speeches and both
social and recreational gatherings. Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway,
Chief of the National Guard Bureau, was guest speaker. Local
period-actor James Getty played the part of 16th President,
Abraham Lincoln.
On May 1,91 unit members deployed to Aquadille. Puerto
Rico to participate in Ocean Venture '93-a Joint Atlantic Command exercise that provided training to the U.S. Navy Fleet
Tactical Readiness Group. The primary mission of the 193rd
was to broadcast high-quality data on AM, FM and television
frequencies which were monitored by ground personnel.
In addition to transmitting, improved methods were developed to reduce the time required to get the audio andlor video
production from the recording facilities to the mission aircraft
before each sortie.
Three 193rd officers were deployed to Phitsanulok, Thailand
from May 7 to 21 for a command post exercise entitled "Cobra
Gold." There they worked with the Combined Joint Special
Operations Task Force and the Combined Joint Psychological
Operations Task Force.
From May 10 to 19. 17 members of the 193rd Medical Squadron were deployed to the Air Force Medical Center, Englin Air
Force Base, Florida. Unit members supported administrative
functions, the optometry clinic, aeromedical and pharmacy services and the hospital laboratory. During the annual training,
members went to neighboring Hurlburt Field to assist in a mass
casualty exercise.
The 193rd Civil Engineering Squadron traveled to Camp San
Luis Obispo, California, from June 12 to 27 to refurbish several facilities for the California Department of Military Affairs.

129

A gymnasium and dormitory were renovated and a patio was

constructed at the camp's officer club. By the end of the deployment, all of the building projects were completed with nearly
2,500 man-hours dedicated to the mission.
After donating over $2,500 toward the purchase of materials

to build the "Kids Kastle" in Middletown, 193rd volunteers as~

sisted with the construction of the wooden playground. The
NCO Academy Graduates Association also chipped in with a
$500 donation. With the help of nearly 400 unit volunteers, the
120 by I 30-foot play area was built in only five days and opened
to the pub li c on May 2.

Kim Vulatic, Kids Kastle coordinator. summed it up best when

she said, "The Guard saved us!"
The midpoint ofa busy 1993 was the perfect time to announce
that the 193rd was the recipient of the William W. Spruance
Safety Award. Justification for the award included the significant contributions to flight safety and accident prevention while
flying in excess of J3',000 hours over 36 years of accident-free
flying. Col. Ernst attributed the safety achievement to the loyal
and devoted men and women of the unit.
Among the numerous exercises and deployments in which
the I 93rd participated during the second half of 1993, one of the
most memorable was Bright Star '94. During Bright Star, the
unit was deployed to the continent of Africa for the first time in
it's history. From November 6 to 21 , 95 members deployed to a

classified base. In addition to the nying and maintenance of

unit aircraft, the unit provided security, crash and fire protection, food services and transportation.

1994
On February I, all military members and their families were
given a vacation treat-an anned forces recreation center on the
grounds of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The De-

partment of Defense's executive agency for the Armed Forces

Recreation Center program negotiated a 100-year lease for
"Shades of Green," the first armed forces recreation center in
the continental United States.

than 250,000 miles to move I 1,600 tons of salt.

One driver commented that the thing he hated most was not
the malfunctioning truck lights, flat tires, or broken water pumps,
but missing the Super Bowl.
A lot of people back home at the I 93rd also deserved extra
credit for helping the unit survive one of the toughest winters
ever in Central Pennsylvania. Many volunteers helped with
massive snow removals. Maintenance Squadron personnel endured brutal conditions to keep the fleet flying while numerous
unsung heroes bauled the snow and cold.
As if the winter weather wasn't brutal enough, the 193rd
faced an Operational Readiness Inspection in the Spring. The
April UTA was dedicated to practicing for the ORI to insure our
preparedness.
By June, the results arrived. Superb! Outstanding! Magnificent! These were just a few of the adjectives used to de
scribe the unit's perfonnance. The 193rd had completed the
most comprehensive and intensive inspection in its history, and
the rating was the highest awarded to date by the Air Force Special Operations Command Inspector General.
In response, Col. Ernst said. "I want each and every member
of this organization (0 know they were an integral part of this
effort. Everyone should be extremely happy with the results . I
am! I salute each of you for your dedication and extraordinary
professionalism . Keep up the great work as we move forward
to meet new challenges."
Maj . Gen. Bruce Fister, Commander of Air Force Special
Operations Command, applauded the 193rd on the exce ll ent results of the ORI by writing, "Your professionalism and dedication to customer service produced impressive deployment and
employment results. Your risk management and safety awareness at all levels enhanced these accomplishments. Your out
standing maintenance record was evident in aircraft generation
and employment mission reliability. The 193rd SOG team's
perfonnance reflects many long hours of preparation, hard work
and dedication."

The I 93rd Family Support Group announced the first-ever

scholarship for family members in 1993. Two scholarships, totaling $300, were awarded in June to Beth Shearer, daughter of

Tech. Sgt. Gary and Ruth Shearer, and to Christina Sowards,

daughter of Tech. Sgt. Kandy Sowards.
A "state of emergency" declared by Governor Robert Casey
brought out over thiny I 93rd volunteers in January and February to participate in "Operation Salt Express." Cpt. Robert Tatro,

deputy base engineer, was notified late on a Friday afternoon

that truck drivers were needed. By 6:45 a.m. Saturday, civil
engineering truck drivers were aboard military busses headed
for Williamsport. There they climbed into Anny tandem-axle

dump trucks to make the 45-mile-per hour journey to salt mines

in central New York state to load and haul precious road salt
desperately needed for snow-covered Pennsylvania.
Below-zero weather, one-lane highways and equipment
breakdowns hampered the mission as truckers continued the 24hour per day runs. Anny and Air Guard members from Central
Pennsylvania, Willow Grove and Pittsburgh drove a total of more

130

photo by 193rd Multimedia

Members ofthe 193rd know rharf/ying on a cargo-plane is
not Ihe same as fly;ng wUh a commercial airline. Above. unil
members endure anolher long. noisy. cramped ride aboard a
C-/30.

The June UTA Family Day included a groupwide afternoon

picnic at Williams Grove Amusement Park. During the traditiona1 base open-house was a ceremony to dedicate a fiberglass
replica of a P5 I Mustang which had been acquired a year earlier and placed atop a pedestal on the east lawn of the Head-

quarters Building.
Also that morning, a fannal groundbreaking ceremony was
held for the new Electronic Counter Measures/Commando Solo
Trainer Building, east of the Civil Engineering Building. More
than 2.000 Guard members, families and friends attended the
Family Day activities.
It was a busy Spring for two I 93rd NCO technicians: Master Sgt. Karen Saltzgiver and Staff Sgt. Jody Ankabrandt. Both
made the transition from stripes to bars when they graduated
from officer training at the Academy of Military Science,
McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Another important appointment was made when Chief Mastcr Sgt, Richard Daldo was named as the unit's new Senior Enlisted Advisor. The chiers new duties included assisting enlisted members with their concerns and keeping the commander
advised of enlisted issues. A member ofthe I 93rd since 1973,
Chief Daldo had previously served in the I 93rd Consolidated
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
During the Spring, the unit's artist-in-residence, Tech. Sgt.
Fred Lang, completed acolorful mural picturing one of the unit's
former EC-121 E aircraft upon a wall in the Constel1alion Cafe.
The mural was in addition to Lang's other murals ofa minuteman in the Headquarters Building and a KC- 13~ refueling an
EC130 painted in the "Blue Room" of the Operations Building.
July marked the Ninth Annual Boss Day when 58 employers were given the opponunity to learn about what their employees do during the time they spend with the Air National
Guard. In addition to (he various briefings, tours and lunch in
the Constellation Cafe. the bosses were given an orientation
flight aboard a C 130.
By mid-July the 193rd SOG was deployed on short-notice
to the U.S. Naval Station at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico to
support Operation Sea Signal (which later became known as
Operation Uphold Democracy).
The first daily broadcasts from the unit's Commando Solo's
"Radio Democracy" featured Haiti's exiled President JeanBertrand Aristide in a SO-minute speech proclaiming, "The day
of my return is not far otT. We will return to the National Palace."
In his speech, Aristide also urged Haitians not to flee the
island by boat, but instead to remain and help oust the repressive army ru lers. The continuous message, broadcast in the
Creole language, warned that Haitians would not be allowed in
Florida, but detained until democracy was restored.
Once Ihe broadcasts began, the number of "boat people"
dropped steadily and finally subsided. With the support of the
people and the threat ofa U. S. invasion, the regime of Haitian
anny general Raoul Cedras agreed to tum over power to President Aristide. In September, a force of20,OOO U.S. troops arrived in Haiti to oversee the political transition and worked to

maintain order throughout the country.

Commando Solo aircraft where on final approach into the
Harrisburg International Airport on October 1S when it was
announced that Aristide had returned to Haiti's presidential palace for the first time in three years. In the end, nearly 500
193rd members were deployed in support of Operation Uphold
Democracy. Also supporting the unirs aircraft were KC-135
tankers from the 17Jst Air Refueling Wing, Pittsburgh.
Again, Gen. Wayne Downing, Commander ofthe U. S. Special Operations Command, praised the unit when he wrote, "The
193rd SOO's exceptional performance directly contributed to
the restoration of democracy in Haiti. You are an essential part
of the Unjted States Special Operations Command."
More high praise for the Haiti mission came from Maj. Gen.
James Hobson, Air Force Special Operations Commander.
Hobson wrote, "As the political situation fluctuated 'and condi~
tions caused you to relocate your forward operating location,
you demonstrated tremendous flexibility and kept the airwaves
filled with this country's message to the Haitian people. You
received some well-deserved good press, and people across the
country know of your contributions. Each and every one of
you has our utmost respect for ajob very well done."
Pennsylvania's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Gerald Sajer,
visited the 193rd during the Puerto Rico staging period and later
complimented the unit for a superb job that "undoubtedly contributed to saving thousands of lives."
Activity around the base continued at a fevered pitch in September as the 193rd hosted the Seventh Annual Pennsylvania
Air National Guard Flight of Freedom Ceremony. Past and
present members of the state's Air National Guard were honored while personal and unit achievements were also recognized.

During the ceremony the 193rd was awarded its seventh Air
Force Outstanding Unit Award and Col. Ernst accepted a plaque
from the National Guard Bureau in recognition of the unit's
"excellent" rating for performance during the unit's most recent inspection. State Senator John Shumaker, a 2~ year military veteran, was the keynote speaker, The jS3rd Air Force
Band provided the military music for the ceremony.
Individual award recipients included Senior Master Sgt.
Ralph Rissmiller who was honored for military service that
spanned more than 40 years. Rissmiller was also inducted into
the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Hall of Fame at that time.
Senior Master Sgt. James Pringle of the 193rd Consolidated
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was named the 193rd Senior
Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. Master Sgt. Leslie
Black of the Mission Support Flight was honored as the NonCommissioned Officer of the Year. Senior Airman Kevin
Johnson, also of the 193rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was
named the Airman of the Year.
The year ended in the knowlege that the 193rd Consolidated
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron had been selected as the National Guard Bureau winner of the Daedalian Aircraft Maintenance Award-a trophy awarded to the unit which best met the
objectives of the Air Force aircraft maintenance program for
serviceability, safety and availability for sustained use in con~
tingency and war.

131

PaANG

MOSier Sgl. Ray Cannelly. NCOIC oJlhe Liquid Oxygen

Sloragefacility, fllls a LOX carl al his shop /ocaled at the eaSI
end oflhe fl;ghlline. The storage facilily is operated by
members of the Petro/il/nI, Oils and LubriconiS Section.
Maj. Gen . James Hobson, Air Force Special Operations Com
mander, was the guest speaker at the traditional December
Awards Ceremony. During his speech, Hobson personally
lauded the unit for its work in Operation Uphold Democracy
and later assisted in the presentation of individual awards to 32
retirees and the ) 0, 20 and 30year service award recipients.
Chief Master Sgt. David Weidner was also honored for 40 years
of service to the 193rd.

1995
From January 10 to 18, several member. of the I 93rd Security Police Squadron deployed to Fort Benning, Georgia to conduct a mission in conjunction with other Air Force, Army and
Navy units. The unique mission was considered a complete sue-cess, earning praise for the professionalism and job knowledge
demonstrated during the deployment.
Staff Sgt. Jill Kelley, infonnation management specialist in
the 193rd SOG Career and Education Office, was named the
1994 Outstanding Enlisted Information Manager for the Air National Guard. Her name was submitted, in part, because of her
achievements in managing the Pennsylvania Tuition Credit Pro
gram.
An "Award of Excellence" was presented to the I 93rd Fire
Department by the Air National Guard Fire Chiefs Association
at the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis.
Senior Master Sgt. Charles Elfner, 193rd Fire Chief, accepted
the award on behalf of the department for their significant con
tribution to the previous year's Operational Readiness Inspec
tion .
From February 25 to March II, a total of 87 unit members
were deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, to support
the NATO exercise Strong Resolve '95. In addition to supporting an intense flying operation, services and medical personnel
were integrated into two other active duty units' pools.

J32

The 193rd Security Police Squadron hosted a Security Awareness seminar on March 16. Twenty representatives from federal. state and local law enforcement agencies met to exchange
vital information concerning potential threats in the local area.
The guests were given a mission familiarization briefing by the
intelligence section and a tour of one of the unit's aircraft.
On March 30, the 193rd Special Operations Group presented
its story at a meeting of the Olmsted Chapter of the Air Force
Association. The turnout set a new meeting-attendance record
for the local chapter.
Governor Tom Ridge announced the appointment of Maj.
Gen. James W. Mac Yay as the state's Adjutant General. The
Change of Command ceremony was conducted on April 12 at
Fort Indiantown Gap. Mac Yay had served in full-time Army
National Guard assignments with the 28th Infantry Division
since 1964. He then held the post of Deputy Adjutant General
before assuming his new role. He succeeded Maj. Gen. Gerald
T. Sajer.
The Tenth Annual Boss Day was held April 22. As guests
finished lunch in the Constellation Cafe, Capt. Gary Miller of
the intelligence shop announced that the bosses were being
tasked for a classified mission in Southwest Asia.
All SS bosses were put through the experience ofa real-world
unit activation as they processed through the mobility process
ing line and received a deployment briefing. All of the regular
processing line stations were manned so that each boss could
receive the same briefing that their Guard memberemployees
would receive. The consensus of the employers was that they
had no idea what Guard members had to do when "called up."
Also at the 1995 Boss Day, numerous Employer Support of
the Guard and Reserve awards were presented to the civilian
supervisors. Mr. Terry Neiles, a supervisor for Cumberland
County, was presented with ESGR's coveted State Chairman 's
Award for his support ofStafTSgt. Cynthia Good's career with
the Air National Guard.
The next day, 396 unit members participated in the Walk for
Multiple Sclerosis which raised over $11,500 for the Central
Pennsylvania MS Chapter. The event was a 9 II2mile walka
thon in the Hershey area-a walk which also fulfilled the annual
physical training test requirement. Because of the unique involvement of the unit, MS officials wanted to include in their
national advertising campaign a photo of I 93rd participants in
front of an EC-130. It was Capt. Christa Ker.hner who suggested the unit get involved in the community function .
The traditional Easter Egg Hunt was also revived by the Fam
ily Support Group during the April drill. It took the 44 children
less than eight minutes to find all the Easter eggs hidden around
Middletown's Hoffer Park. The hunt was one of several activi
ties designed to develop a positive relationship between the chi!
dren of Guard member. and the 193rd.
May I, Col. W. Reed Ernst received notice that the 193rd
was the recipient of two prestigious military awards for the unit's
consistently exceptional mission performance, high morale, loy
alty and dedication to duty.
The Air Force Association named the 193rd the "Outstanding Air National Guard FJying Unit" which is awarded for dem
onstrating the greatest feats of airmanship. The award was pre

sented at the annual AFA conference in September of that same

year.
At the same time, the National Guard Association of the
United States selected the 193rd as the winner of the Spaatz
Trophy. Named for the first Chief of Staff ofthe independent
Air Force, General Carl Spaatz, the trophy is awarded to the
very best of all 89 Air National Guard flying units. That award
was presented at the NGA US Conference in Ohio in September.
The thrust of the award submission was the positive results
of the 193rd's three-month involvement in Operation Sea Signal/Restore Democracy/Uphold Democracy, the 193rd Maintenance Squadron's winning of the Air National Guard
Dacdalian Aircraft Maintenance Award and the unit's "excellent" rating during the previous year's AFSOC Operational
Readiness Inspection.

Col. Ernst commented, "Both of these prestigious awards

verifY the absolutely superb job that each member of this organization does on a daily basis. It verifies that quality is alive and

well at the 193rd."

After being named "the best of the best," an Air Force Special Operations Command Inspector General team conducted
an Observation Visit of the 193rd from May 19 to 25. The purpose of the visit was to independently observe the unit's readiness process. The observation visit is unique to the Air Force.

No other major command has a similar program. As there was

no inspection criteria, there were no "results" of the visit.
Remember the days when getting your military identification card meant setting your name in little white plastic letters
on a slotted black felt board, then holding it under your chin for
some flash photos? Those days are gone now that the Military
Personnel Flight, fonnerly known as the Consolidated Base Personnel Office, has computerized the ID card process. The photo
is now processed digitally so it can be altered at the member's
request before its laminated. The entire six-step JD card process can be done in less than 10 minutes.
The 193rd Medical Squadron began Operation York
Guardcare '95 over the Fourth of July holiday. In a temporary
facility in Campus Park, York, I 93rd healthcare professionals
provided free general physical exams, preschool and camper
exams, cholesterol and blood sugar tests, dental checks,
children's immunizations and tetanus shots for adults. A total
of237 York residents were attended to during Guardcare.
Truly an Air Guard team effort, members of the 201st Red
Horse Flight and the 271 st Combat Communications Squadron
supplied and set up the hospital tent and provided a generator
for eleC1ricity while members of the 193rd Security Police Squadron provided security.
A special feature in the June issue of the Nalional Guard
magazine spotlighted the 193rd in an article entitled "The Voice
of the Quiet Professionals." The two-page story included color
photos and a description of 193rd missions and deployments.
Also, the unit's Boss Day '95 merited a center-spread special
feature in the June issue ofthe On Guard newspaper.
Another Change of Command occurred July I when Brig.
Gen. William B. Lynch was appointed the state's Deputy Adjutant General for Air as well as the Commander of the Pennsyl-

vania Air National Guard. Priviously, Lynch was serving as the

eommander of the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh.
The Fifth Annual193rd SOG Golf Tournament was held July
27 at the Annitage Golf Club in Hampden Township with 36
teams participating. Proceeds from the tournament were given
to five public service agencies and groups.
Not an organization to shy away from "firsts," the 193rd
hosted Pennsylvania's Air National Guard first-ever college intern, Howard Herbert. Herbert, a junior at Shippensburg Univenity, served as the intern from May 30 to July II under the
supervisor of Capt. Renee Tatro, 193rd SOG Environmental Coordinator. While serving his no-pay internship, he earned six
credits toward his college degree. Howard is the son ofSenioe
Master Sgt. John D. Herbert III of the Electronic Communications Systems office.
Capping off another brilliant year of "firsts," the 193rd was
awarded the most points ever given to a flying unit by the Air
Force Special Operations Command Inspector General's Quality Air Force Assessment. The purpose of the QAFA was to
determine the unit's progress in applying Quality Air Force principles to improve mission accomplishment.
Several unit members were cited by the QAF A team as deserving special recognition because of their part in implementing QAF A principles and standards: Maj. John Dickinson, Maj.
James Hechinger, Maj. Robert Troisi, Senior Master Sgt. Wayne
lsett, Master Sgt. Kim Etzel and Master Sgt. Ricky Teats. The
entire 193rd Base Services Flight was also recognized by the
QAFA team for its outstanding approach to quality.
Capt. Loretta Charles, Base Services Commander, became
the 193rd's first female commander to retire with over 2 J years
of military service. Charles was one of the first nonmedical
female officers in the 193rd. Capt. Annette Rico was named as
her replacement.
Master Sgt. Lisa Robinson became the first female in the 193rd
Security Poliee Squadron to be promoted to the rank of master
sergeant. In addition to her promotion, Robinson was also named
superintendent of the unit's law enforcement branch.
On September 13, the 193rd hosted 33 local business leaders
for a morning visit to the unit. After refreshments, the program
began with a thorough briefing on the Air National Guard, the
193rd and its mission. Then the visitors were treated to a local
orientation Oight and a tour of the complex. The program ended
with a luncheon in the Constellation Cafe. The program, entitled "Having the Neighbors Over," originated in 1989 and was
held in conjunction with the Middletown Area Committee of
the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce.
The 193rd Family Support Group resurrected an autumn tradition called the "Fall Frolic" on Saturday evening of the October drill. More than 100 couples, single members and guests
enjoyed a casual evening of food, fun, dancing and door-prizes
at the Anny National Guard's 28th Division Artillery Annory
in Hershey.
The 193rd deployed 72 unit members and one Commando
Solo aircraft to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea from October
21 through November 3 to participate in Exercise Foal Eagle
'95. The year 1995 marked the first time the new Commando
Solo aircraft was used during the exercise.

133

Dressed in full chemical warfare gear, members of the

crisis action team perform their wartime dUlies under the
walch/ull eye 0/ Air Force Special Operations Command
obseners during a unit operational readiness inspection.

In addition to the flying mission, the 193rd also deployed

personnel from the 193rd Hospital, Personnel, Security Police,
Services and Supply Squadrons to augment active duty forces at
Osan.
The unit transitioned a Commando Solo aircraft from one
exercise to another in a demonstration of the unit's ability to
plan and execute the movement of assets from one major regional theater to another. As Foal Eagle ended, Solo was used
to support flight operations in Exercise Bright Star '95. Assisting in the trans ition was a KC-135 lanker from the 171st Air
Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh.
Bright Star '95 was a two--week deployment to Cairo West
Air Base, Egypt, from November 4 to 19. The exercise marked
the return of the 193rd to the continent of Africa. Eighty-two
members were tasked during the exercise. The desert scenario
tested the 193rd's ability to operate at a bare base and to integrate total operations within AFSOC. Members had the opportunity to visit the Pyramids and the Cairo Museum as well as to
enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile River,
The 193rd had yet another opportunity to assist hurricane
victims in Florida. This time, it was the civil engineering members who responded to meet the needs of our own Special Operations Command family at Hurlburt Field. Within 10 hours
after re~eiving the call for help, 27 civil engineers were at Fort
Walton Beach to aid victims of Hurricane Opal. Their speedy
response and superb work earned a personal commendation from
Maj. Gen. Hobson, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.
In his first visit to the 193rd as A'djutant General, Maj. Gen.
James Mac Yay congratulated the unit for the impressive showing on the recent QAFA. Mac Vay visited various shops and
had lunch with numerous unit members.
Always in the limelight, the 193rd again received national
media attention on two separate occasions, Time magazine and
the Weekly Reader (a children's publication) both highlighted
the unit in feature articles focusing on information warfare,
In conjuncti on with the Outstanding Ready Guard Member

134

Program, three 193rd enlisted .members were selected as Outstanding Airmen ofthe Year. Master Sgt. George Fritz of the
193rd Mission Support Flight was named the Senior NCO of
the Year; Tech. Sgt. Leslie Gochenaur, 193rd SOW Medical
Squadron, was honored as the NCO of the Year; and Sgt. Keith
Littlewood of the I 93rd Logistics Squadron was named Airman
of the Year.
The December drill ended a busy year with the annual awards
ceremony which honors unit members who have served 10,20
and 30 consecutive years with the unit. Chief Master Sgt. Robert Jasinski and Master Sgt. Raymond Welgoss were also honored for 40 years of service with the 193rd. Also recognized for
their long service were 36 members who retired in 1995.
And, in keeping with our credo that "it's always better to
give than to receive," unit members donated 30 turkeys and
helped distribute free Christmas trees to brighten the holiday
spirits of local needy families. The 193rd also contributed to
the Harrisburg International Airport's Second Annual Christmas Charity Drive helping to collect over 8,000 pounds of food
for the Salvation Army and Bethesda Mission,
December 27, in evidence of the world class members of the
unit, the 193rd recorded 150,000 accident-free flying hours
amassed over an unprecedented 39 years. 3 months and 28 days,

1996
Severe snowstorms within the first Ja days of January cre
ated a "winter wonderland" effect at the Harrisburg International Airport. The complex was buried with so much snow
that the unit nearly shut down operations. However, the "can
do" spirit prevailed and volunteers cleared enough snow from
the flight line to enable Governor Tom Ridge to board all Army
Guard helicopter, Once airborne, Ridge inspected highway conditions before declaring a snow emergency.
Col. W. Reed Ernst, commander of the 193rd, praised the
volunteers who contributed to the snow removal process, "We
did a Jot of community work during the Blizzard of'96. None
of this would have been possible without our many volunteers,
Thanks again for a job well done."
On February 29, the 193rd lost a real good friend when Gen.
Wayne Downing retired as Commander of United States Special Operations Command. Over the years, the unit has received
many congratulatory and thank-you notes from Gen . Downing
who values the mission of the 193rd.
Another good friend was found in the new USSOCOM Commander, Gen. Henry H. Shelton. Shelton was the joint task
force commander during the 193rd's participation in Haiti and
a real believer in the 193rd mission.
Several other unit changes occurred early in the year. Lt.
Col. Carl Kostival, former commander of the 193rd Maintenance Squadron. was named Logistics Group Commander, replacing Col. Gerald Julian, who retired. In his new position,
Kostival was given responsibility for aircraft maintenance, supply, vehicle operations, transportation and contracting activities.
Maj. Kimber Connelly was appointed base comptroller, replacing Lt. Col. Ernest Brough, who retired. In her new posi-

PaANG photo by 193rd Multimedia

Commando Solo. as it appears today, soaring high above the Harrisburg International Airport and the 19Jrd Special Operations Wing. A one-ofa-kind, technological marvel flown, maintained and supported by the most dedicated men and women in the
Air National Gllard.
tion. Connelly became responsible for all financial operations
of the 193rd and its seven geographically separated units in Central Pennsylvania.
After months of searching, a new editor forthe monthly newsletter. Scope. was appointed. StatTSgt. Edward E. Shank. previously a member of the Air Force Reserve at Willow Grove.
accepted the editor's position . Shank came to the t93rd with
some civilian renown as a sculptor who works in a variety of
mediums-including butter! Shank was commissioned by the
Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program and the Pennsylvania
Department of Agriculture to carve 600 pounds of butter into
the likeness of President Dwight Eisenhower bonle feeding a
calf for display at the 1996 Pennsylvania State Farm Show.
Military accomplishments by African Americans was the featured topic at the February 10 observance of Black History
Month. Army Lt. Col. Dwight Thomas presented an informative lecture on the history of Black History Month as well as
offered suggestions for recruiting minority youths into the Air
Guard in order to improve their career opportunities. Thomas
was the congressional liaison to the Secretary of the Army at the
Pentagon.

The wing sponsored several lucrative fund-raising events

donating over $23,000 to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Easter
Seals and several other charities.
In August. the 193rd achieved a flying safety milestone .. .40
years of accident free flying. In tribute to the outstanding feat,
Governor Tom Ridge flew aboard Commando Solo as an honorary Air Commando.
The fall saw the delivery of the fifth Solo aircraft and the
construction of both a new mobility warehouse and a refueler
maintenance facility.
The unit also hosted the Worldwide Psychological Operations Conference. The conference showcased the 193rd. its mission and its capabilities to the PSYOPS community.
As the year come to a close. the unit had been selected for
several national awards. The 193rd Personnel Flight was selected as the Air National Guard's oustanding personnel operations flight. The 193rd Combat Infonnation Support Center was
selected as the best in the Guard and the National Guard Association awarded the wing its Distinguished Flying Unit Award
for outstanding flight safety, airmanship and mission accom
plishment.

135

Wing Officers

- -- - ,

First row (left to right): K. Connelly, D. Snyder, M Daniels, E. Kuhn,

R. Mortin, C. Kostival, D. Goodling. Secol/d rOw (left to right): C. Hummer, G.
Herman, K. Roth, A. Rico, D. Smoker, P. Yarnell, D. Stackhouse,
R. Owens, T. Rathgeb. Third row (left to right): A. Hairston, J. McGovern,
J Heckinger, D. Stewart, R. Troisi, R. Nissly, K. Saltzgiver, C. Barry.

Chaplain

----=----......

(Lef/to right): D. Good, S. Shaw, R. Nissly, R. Denison, E. Jackson.

136

Finance

(Left to right): K Schwar/z. K Connelly. J. Balliel. K Brillhar/. J Callaway.

S. Rousell. E. Reardon. G. Charel/e. K Yake. K Charles/on. R. Cooke. A. Kaplin.
R. Updegrove. G. Kos/elac. R. Weaver.

Legal

First row (left to right): R. Papapie/ro. J. Eichelberger. T. Ra/hgeb.

137

Pilots

First ro w (left to right): T. Gal/agher, W Zulell, M Maxwell, R. Shul/z,

S. Saylor, R. Byers. Second row (left to right): M Gal/anI, E. Hall, S. Hiller,
M Considine, 1. Schreckengausl, P. Hesserl, K. Amsrud, B. Gorge,
J. Dickinson. Third row (Iefllo righl): S. Guertin, B. Schaffer, D. Snyder,
G. Plouffe, B. Harris,1. Faber, R. Gorges, D. Redcay, K. Wilhers.

(Left 10 rigltt): F. Wisor, D. Goodling, D. Suerelh, 1. Aslor, T. Mills, D. Lively,

J. Maleski, M Rock, V Miller, L. Enrighl.

138

Flight Engineers

(Left to right): D. Brunner, L. Herman, G. Sharp, B. White, J. Hoke, H Gorberg,

M Ruby, K Hayes, R. Kaylor, D. Perry.

Loadmasters

First row (left to right): J. Durham, J. Gal/ens, D. Caruso, R. Howell, C. Geib.

Second row (Ie/I 10 rigltt): A. Kapp, G. Boyd, G. Soliday, T. Sheffer, T. Young,
P. Kearns, M Frey, P. Sheffer, B. Bickel, M Dean, J. Mentzer.

139

Mission Control Chiefs

First row (left to right): M Dempseyburns, R. McMaster, M Arcllrry,

R. Schneck, D. Williams, W Schaetzle. Second row (left to right): E. Weller,
L. Kellogg, J. Emrick, K. Satow, M Brough, L. Livingood, R. Davis.

Electronic Communications Systems

First row (left to right): F Enterline, T. Jones, R. Guinter, E. Eckenrode, L. Batz,

J Cole, L. Hall, J Bankes. Second row (left to right): B. Wiley, K. Gasswint,
B. Wolfe, J Wilson, R Simerly, D. Aleman, D. Batz, M Kovach. R. March.
J Herbert, M Korecky, R. Gallagher, D. Myers. Third row (left to right): D. Bass,
H Bowman, T. Heisey, J Flint, A. Kearse, R. Heffner, M Cajlin, B. Hafford,
W Lengner, F. Strohecker, D. Wells, D. Harper, M Hackman.

140

Operations Support Flight

First row (left to right): L. Jackson, S. Winters, D. Adams, J. Dickinson.

C. Goode, R. Nicholson, W. Schaetzle, S. Hedges, S. Adams. Second row (left to
right): R. Martin, W. Daly. M Roth. D. Jannel/a. J McGovern; G. Mil/er. T
Troy. B. Beam. E. McKissick. B. Schneck.

Support Group
~

(Left to right): R. Straub. C. Wilson. R. Martin. K. Kol/ar. A. Lohr.

141

Multimedia

First row (left to riglrt): D. Earhart, W. [sell, J Wood Second row (left to
right): J Schmidt, D. Eisentart, D. Hawkins, K. Meridionale. Third row (left to
right): W. 8/oszinsky, M Townsend, F. Lang.

Systems Information

First row (left to riglrt): M Hill, J. Fuller, R. Gill. Second row (left to right):
W. Gilbert, B. Julian, G. Slothower Jr. Third row (left 10 right): R. Hoffman,
L. Myers, D. Smith, F. Cole, G. Brindle, K. Weikel, I Talamounti.

142

Communication Maintenance

First row (left ' right): W. Corl, M Lucas, W. Herr, C. Hinton, R. Liddick.
Secolld row (left to right): 1. Seeger, L. Black, T. Stelller.

Civil Engineering Leadership

(Left to rig ht): P. Yarnell, R. Taira, R. Bennett.

143

Civil Engineering

First row (left to right): T. Fink, D. Brown, R. Lontz, R. Shartle, B. Palmer,

T Herren, W. Bleistein. Second row (left to right): C. Beheny, J. Conrad,
S. Mummert, H. Soule, G. Kerrick, V Spangler.

Civil Engineering

First row (left to right): K. Meridionale, T. Barrick, M Brown, C. Devena,

R. Brown, S. Miller, D. Davanaugh. Second row (left to right): K. Stahl,
W. McCoy, B. Lewis, E. Wolfe, R. Alexander, M Wise, L. McKenney,
B. Wilson, R. Len/z, J. David.

144

Civil Engineering

First row (left to right): J Moremarco, F. Burkett, K. Alger, F. Glass, C. Miller,

E. Hummel, D. Alleman, J Myers. Second row (left to right): M Wise, A. Anstead,
H. Stonebraker, C. Meisenheiler, M Kaufman, J Wieger, J Lutz, T. Gross,
E. Weaver, W Kegg.

Civil Engineering Readiness

/'irsl row (te}t to rlglll): t;. Kulick, S. Middleton, D. Macdonald. Second row
(left to rigltt): T. Fogarty, M Chalk, R. Hamm.

145

Environmental Management

(Left to right): R. Moniger, P. Devine, R. Tatro, J. Ligh/burn.

Fire & Crash Rescue

First row (left to right): N. Amsler, M Weaver, D. Wilson, C. Kline, R. Shipp,

R. Vandyke, F. Smeltzer. Second row (left to right): F. Kraft, E. Mac/ane,
D. Hoy, B. Searle, R. Carl, J McHenry, A. Megonnell, T. Niu, G. Elberli.

146

Security Forces
- -"Tr.:I_

. 4

First row (left to right): S. Hile, B. Ham, M Trump, D. Wilt, T. Gutshall,

M Alhand, J Lynch. Second row (left to right): D. Searfass, D. Stackhouse,
T. Dobbs, S. Kratz, K. Fritz, A. Rosselli, M Black, S. Warsavage, R. Ladd,
R. Ressler, R. Kolva, T. McMann, A. Bossler, W. Shupp, K. Phillips. Third raw
(left to right): J Staquet, R. McGuirk, Sunday, S. Benson, S. Heikes,
S. Wiand, G. Steele, R. Hagg, B. Tangert, D. Reed, R. Brown, A. Arce,
S. Kupko, Grudi.

e.

e.

Services

First row (left to right): J. Nelson, K. Souders, J. Marshall, A. Rico, P. Smith,

J. Taylor. Second row (left to right): I. Garcia, M Kennedy, V. Dubs,
M Clouser, R. McNaughton, T. Mitchell, K. Hitchcock. Third row (left to

e.

Walker, M Bailey,
right): A. Hoffman, G. Franciscus, M Anthony,
Novalis, B. Witmer, H. Phillips. Fourth row (left to right): R. Shomper,
B. Jackson, D. Lauer, T. Hoffman, S. Hoffman, R. Moore, C. Lillieton,
S. Smith, Shull.

e.

e.

147

Military Personnel

Firsl row (left 10 right): A. Siale/er, H. KOlzmoyer, K. Sallzgiver, H. Slorloni,

B. Clork, G. Murray, R. Slum, K. Lesler, R. Teals, J. Schnee, T. Elliol,
R. Dempsey. Secolld row (left 10 right): J. Class, D. Bersl, G. Frilz, L. Souders,
C. ArIz, J. Meridionale, W. Hunter, C. Barry Ill, S. Foy, R. Jackson, J. Kelley,
K. Brown, W. Ward, D. Q'Shell, D. Rinehimer, M Murray.

Logistics Group

Firsl row (left 10 righl): A. Kostival, M Roberls, C. Dickinson, R. Weiner,

S. Maynes, B. Leakway. Secolld Row (left 10 righl): J. Tonsel, M Herrold,

R. Keller, D. Bashore, G. Lloyd, M Lawley.

148

Maintenance Leadership

(Left to right): R. Thomas, A. Hairston, S. Artz, B. Frey, D. Bashore.

AGE

First row (left to right): R. Knapp, W. Klinger, J. Magaro, R. Lenker, B. Wiley,

W Powell, G. Maurice. Second row (left to right): R. Taylor, D. Brillhart,
S. Seiverling, D. Topper, A. Achenbach, B. Koser, T. Herman.

149

Communication/Navigation

Firsl row (left 10 righl): R. Rager, J. Crissman, D. Goldman, D. Richard,

J. Pasluszek, W. Jacksan. Second row (left 10 right): M Ridenour, R. Young.
R. Gates, J. Stewarl, J. Rolar, C. Shaver. Third row (left 10 righl): M Heller,
G. Lyon, T. Brubaker, M Crandy, O. Campbell.

H. Kristense, B. Bender, R. Hoyer,

Electro-Environmental/
Pneudraulics

First row (left to right): D. Kinsey, D. Walbron, S. Butler, T. Goffman,

J Garritano, P. Becknauld, A. Maleski. Second row (left to right): J. Barrell,
S. Reed, J. Sollenberger, J. Schucker, E. Gordon, A. Devine, S. Gross.

150

Electronic Warfare

e
~

~.

( t
First row (left to right): D. Landis, L. Manwiller, G. Reven, D. Hartman, D. Boak
Second row (left to right): T. Foreman, B. Byers, D. Tooth, W. Dunphy.

Fabrication

First row (left to right): B. English, M McNally, R. Flick, M. Smith, L. Landis,

E. Stoltzfus. Second row (left to right): K. Harding, J Groff, C. ScOI/,
D. Carberry, M Smith, V. Miller, T. Heilman.

lSI

Flight Line

First row (left to right): J Berger, J Dubs, S. Sioll, V. Lugosky, D. Keeney,

M Mistrella, B. Palsgrove, S. Maynard. Second row (left to right): S. Plank,
J. Sparr, S. Fulfer, J. Nunley, T. Markle, G. Nelson, M Seier, J. Yingst Jr.,
J. Spring, K. Weir, R. Mallern. Third row (left to right): M Snody, J. Tuell,
E. Bohr, T. Herehelroth, R. Stine, D. Blouch, K. Woodruff. D. Kaas, D. Carter,
W. Repaseh, S. Miller, T. Deffley.

Fuels/R & R

First row (left to right): N. Weems, S. Fritz, C. Fagan, C. Weaver. Second row
(left to right): D. Berrier, M Sheaffer, S. Alexander, C. Werni.

152

First row (left to right): G. Loutsbaugh, S. Varnic/e, R. Cover, 1. McCorkel,

T Hughes, T Smith, G. Kelly, S. Tucker. Second row (left to right): 1. Lutz,
1. Fountain, R. Markel, R. Davis, S. Carter, R. Snyder, R. Conley, D. Billig,
J Johnson, K. Johnson.

Ground Radio

First row (left to rigltt): D. Rocheleau, M Beachley, R. Peterson, K. Carter.

Second row (left to right): T Hershberger, 1. Fennen, S. Wentzel. Third row
(left (0 right): T Topper, T Bard, J. Bitner, K. Leinbach, R. Zeiders.

153

Guidance & ControlI .

First row (left to rigltt): J. Malles, R. Summy, T. Warner, K. Albin, J. Wymer,

P. Riggs. Second row (left to rigltt): R. McIlvaine, L. Bankert, W. Kerman,
J. Stoner, J. BlItler, J. Correll

Inspection Dock

First row (left to rigltt): B. Grubb, J. Yingst Jr., S. Schildt, J. McDonnell,

C. Longenecker, S. Miller, F. Mistretta III, C. Peterman. Second row (left 10
right): L. Sommer, R. Dunkle, T. Wolfe, K. Peterson, R. Borg, K. Stuck,
A. Kaylor, T. Caprelli.

IS4

NDIlSurvival Equipment

First row (left to right): T Kauffman, M Schappert, L. Harmor, A. Clark.

Second rOw (left to right): G. Wyman, R. Scheib, G. Barnell, S. Simmons,
D. Heronomus, D. Boop.

Jet Engine

First row (left to right): M Smeric/c, L. Marshal/, R. Semder, D. Mil/ar, B. Meals,

D. Fritzinger, D. Groner, J. Bruce, A. Bolls. Second row (left 10 right): D. Wickes,
M Haskell, B. Schulenberger, R. Fanning, M Shadle, B. Drumheller, T Lytle,
J. Wiatrowski. Tltird Row (left 10 rigltt): M Winpenny, II. Erickson, J. Killinger,
L. Weist, D. Neye.

ISS

Secure CommNideo
.J

First row (left to right): J. Ritz, P. Byers, R. McBurney, J. Spadafora. Second

row (left to right): J. Leaman, M Piscitelli, B. Long, M Gross, P. Heine. Third
row (left to right): M Penartz.

Logistics Squadron

(Left to right): P. Thompson, W Yenlzer Jr., W Yingling, M Witman.

156

Logistics Support Flight

Fint row (left to right): D. Brumbach, D. McGuirk. Second row (left to right):

S. Kenna, J. Morgan, J Hechinger, L. Bryson, G. Nance. Third row (left to right):

J. Cragen Jr., S. Hower, L. Finck, M Cichy, G. Cunningham, M Hagy II.

Medical Squadron

First row (Ie/Ito right): C. Mallhews, J. Rickenbach, D. Orriz, W. McGinley, T.

Rice, R. Moore. Second row (left to r1'Itt): F. Nesmith, B. Rhoads,
R. Moniger, C. Ogden, A . Pecukonis, . Lyons, K. Bedor, J. Robert, C. Martin, T.
Navalis.

157

Medical Squadron

First row (left to right): P. Thomas, S. Stuck, S. Steele, B. Wagner,

R. Stahlnecker. Second row (left to right): C. Sowards, V. Vail, D. Souders,
C. Seol/, L. Zimmerman, L. Straub, L. Verdelli.

Medical Squadron

First row (left to right): R. Graver, D. Fel/erof!. R. Brown, W. Kilgore, L. Bock,

L. Bashore, B. DeFoor, M. Evans, S. Kerrick. Second row (left to right):
T Ladley, P. Devine, T Kilbride, M. Daniels, S. Kamatian, B. Kaufman,
L. Hallstrom, J. Black, C. Clark, K. Hinkle, L. Kemper, P. Gebhard.

ISS

553rd Air Force Band

First row: P. Jones. Second row (left to right): H. BOOIS, J. Noble, S. Brill,
M Rouch, D. Davey, J. Boyer, D. Shirley, J. Behrens. Third row (left to right):
K. Howord, J. Marchand, P. DeFranco, M Gauker, C. Winslon, J. Buss, T.
Ross, J. Johnston, J. Yoder. Fourlh row (left to right): J. Farwell, B. Smith,
J. Byrnes, J. Good, G. Felder, J. Young, J. Christ, D. Clawson, W. Davey,
T. Erdman, R. Lemon, J. Paulz, C. Long, D. Mauger. Fifth row (left to righl):
K. Betz, R. Delong, G. Weber, R. Filz.

193rd Commanders today

(Left to right): E. Kuhn, L. Sanlerini, T. Cope, J. Marlin, R. Harris, P. Phil/ipy,

II. Posey, R. Ogan, A. Heron, W Ernst II. N. Bereschak.

159

50th Anniversary Steering Committee

First row (left to right): R. Beissel, R. Posey, C. Aungst, G. Spuhler, C. Withers,

L. Kemper. Second row (left to right): R. East, L. Miller, K. Spohn, R. Martin,
D. Snyder, K. Kollar, J. Gingerich, E. Kuhn.

193rd SOW 50th Anniversary Committee

First row (left to right): D. Rinehimer, R. Thomas, C. Barry lll, R. Martin, K.

Kollar, C. Weaver, A. Lohr. Second Row (left to right): R. Sload, J Pringle,
J. Schreckengaust, E. Shank, K. Stuck, K. Etzel, W. isell, S. Fay.

J6()

193rd Consolidated Club

PaANG photo by Master Sgt. Oa .... Hawkins

Above. the /93rd SOW Consolidated Club as it appears today - a place/or unit members 0/011 ranks to relax and socialize.

Fonned in the mid 1960's as the "NCO

Club," the 193rd Consolidated Club was
originally financed by funds remaining in
the treasury of the Non-Commissioned
Officer's Club at Spaatz Field, Reading.
The original (Middletown) club was located at the Northeast comer of Olmsted
Air Force Base near the base tennis courts.
At the time of its grand-opening, the facility had no heat, water or furniture. It did,
however, have two trash cans filled to the
brim with ice and cold beer.
The first officers of the Middletown club
were President Harold Andrews, Treasurer
Heintz Nauman and Manager Robert
Jasinski.
When Olmsted Air Force Base was
closed, the U.S. Air Force NCO Club donated several items to the Guard club. A
few of the items, including the bar and the
pool table, are still being used by the club
to this day.

During its brief history, the club has

changed locations several times. Over the
years, the club has occupied the Olmsted
Library building, the building that currently
houses offices for the Pennsylvania Department ofForestry, a small house located near
the bridge where the new entrance of the
base is located, the first floor of Building
96 (across from the old headquarters building) and, finally, in 1994, to its current location along the flight line.
Today, the Consolidated Club is comprised of more than 700 enlisted and officer
members.
Current officers of the board are: President Les Black, Vice-President Jim Foy,
Secretary Sherri Foy, Treasurer Denise
Dishong, Doug Billig, Bob Carlson, Rick
Daldo, Colleen Dickinson, Keith Hanshaw,
Beth Palmer, Dave Palmer, Dan Searfass,
Dan Sheehan, Jeff Still, Rick Updegrove
and Bob Weiner.

161

Benefactors
(Persons who have contributed $100 or more toward the total cost o/this publication.)

Senior Master Sgt. Marlin W. Allen

Christ Athas
Charles O. Barry III
"Beme" Bemesderfer
Nicholas J. Bereschak
Robert E. Berger
Col. R.E. Boeshore
Alvin Bonawitz
Zygmunt Bystron
Staff Sgt. Charles R. Comrey
Master Sgt. Donald Conley
Lt. Col. Thomas L. Cope
Ted and Janice Crouse
Charles W. Delp Jr. M.D.
John and Colleen Dickinson
Master Sgt. L. Drew Horn
Maj. Gen. Reed Ernst
Linda A. Garlock
Maj. Gen. Robert Harris
A. P. Hearon
Staff Sgt. Raymond G. Hill
Frank Homa Jr.
Master Sgt. Augustine J. Interrante
Master Sgt. Henry F. Jirik
Chief Master Sgt. Allen D. Kapp
Michael Kaufman
Ronald Kaylor
First Sgt. Scott A. Keener
Lt. Col. W. C. Korner
Lt. Col. George J. Kostival
Carl R. Kostival
Col. E. Thomas Kuhn
Lt. Col. Dale T. Landis
Keith Littlewood
Maj. David L. Lively
Jim Livingood

162

Brig. Gen. Don McAuliffe

William I. Mengel
Maj. Gary L. Miller
Col. R. E. Myers
Karen and Robert Nicholson
Richard J. Palsgrove
Richard B. Posey
Terry L. and Ann Rarig
Lt. Col. Tom Rathgeb
Thomas C. Reifsnyder
Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Rulis
Lt. Col. Larry Rutt
Master Sgt. (retired) Ken and Dorothy Salem
Larry Santerini
Lt. Col. Daniel L. Schmehl Jr.
Master Sgt. Daniel F. Searfass
W. E. Shulenberger
William C. Shupp
Maj. Gen. F. H. Smoker
Brig. Gen. (retired) George L. Spuhler
Diane Stackhouse
Chief Master Sgt. R. J. Stichter
Roger M. Totton
lst Lt. Konrad W. Trautman
Christopher G. Tritch
Master Sgt. Stephen M. Wagner ("WAGS")
Willard W. Wahl
Senior Master Sgt. Carl P. Weaver
Paul Weidensaul
David T. Welker
David John Wells
Frederick C. Winner
Lt. Col. Ken Withers
David and Caroline Witmer
Tech. Sgt. Ken Yake
Staff Sgt. James Yingst Jr.

Sponsors
(Persons who have contributed $75 to $99 toward the total cost of this publication.)

193rd Security Police Association

Denise S. Adams
Connie L. Aungst
Lt. Col. Richard L. Bashore
Larry George Bashore
Chief Master Sgt. Leo P. Batz
Dennis J. and Nancy M. Benson
William W. Bickel
David R. Brunner
Maj. Martin P. Considine
Master Sgt. Ken Delancey
John Theo Dressler
Robert W. Eno Jr.
John L. Gerstner
Tech. Sgt. John J. Groff Jr.
Ken Harding
Barb and Jerry Julian
Master Sgt. Dale A. Kasper
Jesse B. Kendall
Lawrence C. Knapp
Michael Kostival
Master Sgt. R. Pappy Lynn
Lt. Col. Bob Martin

Burnell McIntyre
Linwood A. Miller
Rosella $. Moore
David J. Palmer
Tech. Sgt. Ned O. Paules
Alfred Pecukonis
Skip Repasch
Ralph W. Rissmiller
Lt. Col. Robert E. Ruppel
Brenna Schroll
Vaughn L. Schwalm
David J. Smoker
Col. Derle M. Snyder
Col. D.V. Snyder
Victor Spangler
Capt. L and Master Sgt. R Straub
Ronald L. Stum Sr.
Walter C. Theal
Kenneth I. Wahl
J effrie C. Walker
Lt. Col. Darrell E. Westby
Col. C. L. "Scoop" Withers

163

164

165

Joint Guard 97

166

Operational
Readiness
Inspection
1997

167

168

,J